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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

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UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. 




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BY 



MARIA J. DODGE. 



ECHOES 
FROM CAPE ANN. 



A BOOK OF POEMS, RECITATIONS, AND 
MEMORIAL TOKENS. 




EY ^ 



BOSTON 
CUPPLES AND HURD, Publishers 

1889 



^^- 



^^-^ 



Copyright, 1889, 
By MARIA J. DODGE. 



A II rights reserved. 



^ebiratton. 

To tlie children who have been my comfort ancl solace 
through the many years of my widowhood; to my mother, 
and the brothers and sisters with whom I have sat in the 
valley of sorrow ; to the many kind fi'iends whose words of 
sympathy and encouragement have cheered me through 
many lonely hours ; and to the public at large, do I offer my 
Echoes from Cape Ann, hoping that from its humble pages 
they may glean a portion of the comfort and pleasure which 
I have found in writing it. 

MARIA J. DODGE. 

12 Mount Vernon St., 

Gloucester, 

Mass. 



INTRODUCTION. 

Like an echo from the ocean, 
Send I out my thoughts to thee, 

Hoping that the generous people 
Will be good and kind to me. 

If you take the shells of ocean 
And hold them closely to your ear, 

There is a gentle undulation, 
Like an echo, you will hear. 

So it is, when hearts, vibrating. 
Speak to hearts in poet strain, 

Waking there a tender echo. 
Answering heart to heart again. 

If I ask for words of comfort 
From the busy people's brain, — 

Give to me a sweet compassion. 
Do not let me ask in vain. 



CONTENTS 



Acrostics .... 

A Fruitless Search 

All Souls are Mine 

An Appeal to the Blind 

An Autumn BouquET 

And the Voice of Jesus said, "Come" 

And then cometh the Evening and the 

Morning of the First Day 
Anniversary of the Universalist Church 

Gloucester, Mass. 

Answer 

Anthem 

A Pledge 

A Prophecy .... 

A Summer Day's Idyl 

A Token of Love and Regard 

Augusta 

A Wedding Gift to Mr. and Mrs 

J. Hall . 
Baby Sleeps 
Cast Thy Burden 
Children's Sunday 
Christmas Bells 
Christmas Eve 
Comfort 



Andrew 



PAGE 

248 

69 

51 

4 

119 

26 



41 

25 
48 

145 

20I 

85 

22 

245 

243 
30 

5 
2 

99 

47 



Vlll CONTENTS. 








PAGB 


Communion 


52 


Confession 


17 


Consider the Lilies .... 


46 


Dedicated to the Memory of Our Late 


Sister in Faith, Hope, and Charity 




Mrs. Harriet G. Maddix . 


22 


Dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. William W 




Day 


244 


Dedicated to Our Lost Fishermen . 


235 


Dedicated to the Memory of Deaco> 




Theodore Lane 




228 


Divine Love 






192 


Doubt .... 






19 


Easter 






37 


Essay .... 






165 


Essex County Lodge 






160 


Fading Sunlight 






32 


Fainting and Weary 






13 


Faith .... 






24 


Falling Shadows 






34 


Fleeting Shadows . 






6 


Flossie 






230 


1776 — Fourth of July, 1887 . 




65 


Franklin Lodge, Riverd.\le 




148 


Gems of Thought . 




15 


Genevra 




212 


God's Power .... 




36 


God Reigns .... 




109 


Grandpa's Pride 




84 


Granite Hills .... 




80 


Heavenly Seed 




23 


High Street, Newburyport 




87 


Hope 




II 


I Do Believe .... 




30 


I Know that my Redeem 


er Livet 


H 


44 



CONTEXTS. 



IX 



In Memory of Our Dead Soldiers 
In Memory of My Father ... 
In Memory of Our Nation's Martyr 
James A. Garfield .... 

In Memoriam 

In Memory of Sister :Mary E. Crockett 

In Memoriam 

In Memoriam Martha Smith Watts . 
In Memoriam Melissa .... 
In Memory of Mrs. Sarah D. Beckford 

In Memoriam 

In Memory of My Sister, Mary S. Hinck 

LEY 

In Memory of Mary, Wife of Albert Ober 

Invocation 

Jack Frost 

Jesus' Promise 

Josephine ... .... 

Land of Nod 

Leander 

"Let not Your Heart be Troubled" 

Life as a School 

Lines suggested by the Decorations 

Independent Christian Church 
Little Birdie ...••• 

Meditation 

Midnight Revels 

Minnie 

Miss Cadwallader, 1776 

Mother's Old Hymn . . • • 

Motto 

Nellie 

Northern Light Lodge, Pigeon Cove 

Now 

Ode to Our Hall 



PAGK 
202 
203 



205 

222 
225 
226 
231 

234 
236 

23S 
240 

32 
112 

26 
210 
121 
217 

29 
181 

S 
12 

49 

92 

209 

150 

I 

144 

83 

157 

233 

138 



CONTENTS. 



Ode to Summer .... 

Our Nation's Hero. U. S. Grant 

Passion Poems . 

Pay the Debts 

"Peace, be Still" . 

Prayer 

Precious Jewels 

Queries 

Rape's Chasm . 

Rapture 

Reminiscences of Fraternity Lodge 

Retrospection . 

Reverie on Niles' Beach 

Rock of Ages . 

Sacred to the Memory of Tenie 

Sacred to the Memory of Emma Gorman 

Sacred to the Memory of My Friend 

Betsy A. Parsons 
Seventeenth of June 
Sheridan . 
Song of Jubilee 
Sooner or Later 
Sorrow 
Strike Hard 
Submission 
Temper.\nce Bells . 
Temperance Poem . 
The Babe of Bethlehem 
The Building of the Temperance Fleet 

on Old Cape Ann 
The Declaration 
The Drunkard's Plea . 
The Eagle's Nest . 
The Empty Nest 
The Essex County Sg^jadron 



PAGB 
21 

206 

34 

78 

62 

18 

82 

25 

91 

43 

124 

107 

96 

III 

208 

213 

219 

63 
207 

45 
20 
218 
146 
40 
132 
139 
no 

128 

37 

199 
68 

93 

176 



CONTENTS, 


XI 




PAGE 


The Fire 


76 


The Gipsy Prophetess 


187 


The Lady and the Knight . . . . 


95 


The Letter 


71 


The Little Crucifix 


54 


The Love of God 


53 


The Master's Will .... 


35 


The Mother's Vision .... 


242 


The Old Homestead, West Gloucester 


72 


The Pilot 


55 


The Request 


142 


The Road to Happiness 


15 


The Ruins 


1x8 


The Shower 


66 


The Sister of Charity .... 


10 


The Soldier Boys 


197 


The Soldiers' Home and Battle of Gettys 




BURG 


57 


The Song of Nature .... 


50 


The Star of Prohibition 


155 


The Temperance Armor 


122 


The Temperance Banner 


154 


The Temperance Fight .... 


137 


The Templars' Welcome 


134 


The Whistling Buoy .... 


81 


The Whistling Buoy. JI. . 


116 


Then 


233 


Think kindly of Me .... 


56 


Those whom He Loveth He Chasteneth 


28 


To Abbie O 


76 


To Carrie 


75 


To Governor Long Lodge, Marblehead 


159 


To My Far-off Home .... 


6 


To My Friends G. and J. . . . 


lOI 


To My Friend 


114 



Xll 



COXTENTS. 



To My Graxd-aunt 

To THE American Songstress, Emma Abbott 

Wetherell (Emma Abbott) 
To THE Memory of Eddie Johnsox 
To the Memory of Jessie 
Trailing Arbutus . 
Transposition . 
United in Christ 
Wedding Bells 
Written for the Ninth Anniversary of 

the Riverdale Reform Club . 



PAGE 

241 

211 
61 

39 

33 

114 

175 



POEMS 



• MOTHER'S OLD HYMN. 

Mother's old hymn ! oh what is its name ? 
Every mother's hymn is not the same. 
The sound that o'er my senses stole 
Was, '' Jesus, lover of my soul." 

Mother's old hymn ! aye, what is its name ? 
Every dear mother sings not the same. 
The hymn of some I know to be, 
" Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee." 

Mother's old hymn ! how sweet the fame ! 
" All hail the power of Jesus' Name I " 
And sweet to all these words must be : 
" Rock of Ages, cleft for me." 

Yes, Jesus, lover of my soul, 
Help when the billows o'er me roll ; 
Oh let me to Thy bosom fly 
When life's storms are raging high. 



'J POEMS. 

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee, 
The prayer of my heart may this ever be ; 
And tho' like a wanderer, daylight all gone, 
Angels shall beckon me nearer my home. 

All hail the power of Jesus' Name ! 
Angels take up the glad refrain, 
Let every nation on this ball 
Crown Him Jehovah, Lord of all. 

" Rock of Ages, cleft for me ! " 
Can sweeter hymn than this e'er be ? 
Nothing in my hands I bring, 
Simply to Thy Cross I cling. 

Thus mother's hymn grows dear to all. 
Heaven's echo on all ears doth fall. 
And mother's hymn, whate'er it be, 
Is sweetest hymn of all to thee. 



CHRISTMAS BELLS. 

Ring the bells at Christmas! 

'Tis our Saviour's natal morn ! 
He who, humble, meek and lowly. 

Was in Judea's Bethlehem born 



POEMS. 

He who came this world to brighten, 
He who came the world to save, 

Came our heavy cares to lighten, 
Came to make us true and brave. 

Ring the bells at Christmas ! 

Do- the work He left for you : 
Clothe the naked, feed the hungry, 

Give them words of kindness too ; 
For the heart is often broken 

With its heavy load of fear, 
And a word in season spoken 

Will often make a friend sincere. 

Ring the bells at Christmas ! 

Teach the children how to pray — 
Jesus, Saviour, guide and keep us 

Through this happy Christmas Day ; 
Let our hearts be glad and merry. 

Let us do Thy holy Will, 
Ever trusting in Thy promise. 

All Thy loving laws fulfil. 

Ring the bells at Christmas ! 

'Tis our Savior's natal morn ! 
Brighter shines the Star of Bethlehem, 

Brighter glows for us the dawn. 



POEMS. 



Ring the bells at Christmas ! 

Ring, oh ring them merrily, 
For the coming of His Kingdom, 

From Satan's bondage makes us free. 



AN APPEAL TO THE BLIND. 

Come, all ye afflicted, and listen to me : 
With the eyes of faith every one can see ; 
To the voice of your conscience your ear 

shall attend, 
And the praise of your heart unto Heaven 

ascend. 

Then keep yourselves gentle, pleasant, and 

neat, 
With a smile on your faces, both cheerful and 

sweet ; 
The seeds of His Kingdom are in your hearts 

sown ; 
Your eyes shall be opened before His Throne. 

Ah, then you shall see His glorious face. 
When you stand before the throne of grace ; 
Your lips shall sing praises, sweet and clear, 
And your ears the music of Heaven shall 
hear. 



POEMS. 6 

CHILDREN'S SUNDAY. 

The organ was pealing, the people were still, 
It was time for the babes to come in. 

All hearts were beating with tender thrill 
When the choir began to sing. 

"Suffer the little ones to come unto Me, 
And forbid them not," they said. 

The door was opened, and into the church 
The dear little children were led. 

'Mid the quiet that filled with a blessing the 
room. 

The rest of the charge was given. 
And oh, the pathos of those beautiful words, 

" Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven." 

The organ was silent, the Pastor arose, 

And sent up to Heaven a prayer ; 
The light of God's countenance plainly was 
seen. 

His presence was felt everywhere. 

Oh may the Lord bless thee, and give thee 
peace. 
And guide these dear little feet. 
Till, at the end of life's journey, their wande- 
rings shall cease, 
And they stand at the Mercy Seat. 



POEMS. 

FLEETING SHADOWS. 

From the distant gloaming 
I see the shadows flee. 

I take it as an omen 
Bright for you and me . 

Bear the little crosses 

That daily on you fall, 
With a patient waiting 

For the Father's call. 

Day by day they'll lighten, 

You will happier be. 
Each hour and moment brighten 

As the shadows flee. 



TO MY FAR-OFF HOME. 

To my far-off home my thoughts will wander 

As I sit in my pleasant room ; 
Wistfully I sit and ponder: 

Shall I meet with my dear ones soon ? 

To my father, so loving, so gentle, and tender. 
To my brothers so fond and true. 

And my one loving sister, my thoughts will 
wander, — 
In fancy I am gazing at you. 



POEMS. i 

With heart beating softly in tune to the 
measure, 
I am sitting just now, in a trance, 
And blessing my Father for my dearly loved 
treasures, 
And distance the pictures enhance. 

The dear kindly doctor, whose gentle min'- 
strations 
And kind, loving words enter into my 
heart. 
And his dear little daughter, the sweet little 
fairy. 
Doth to my pen picture the sunlight im- 
part. 

The many dear friends, whose untiring fin- 
gers 
Unbidden wove tokens of tenderest care, — 
May His dear loving hand on their bowed 
heads linger. 
When they send up to Him their evening 
prayer. 

And here, where I dwell, kind friends I have 
gathered, — 
Dear Lottie, whose heart is so kind. 
With her sweet patient face turned so lov- 
ingly to me. 
Another like her 'twould be hard to find. 



8 P0E3IS. 

Many others there are whose friendship I 
cherish, 
And thank them sincerely for kind, tender 
care ; 
God bless them, and keep them in happiness 
ever, 
Until we shall meet in His mansions so 
fair. 



LINES 

Suggested by the Decorations in the Inde- 
pendent Christian Church, Dec. 25, 1885. 

I STOOD within the old church portal. 

Before its altar fair. 
And as I stood — weak, sinful mortal — 

I felt my Saviour's presence there ; 
"Come unto Me, ye heavy laden," 

In sweetest tones He cried ; 
" For you I bore my weary burden. 

For you I bled and died." 

The evergreen that decked the altar, 

Entwined with holly red, 
Symbolic of the love He bears us. 

And of the blood He shed. 
Brought out before my inward vision 

That uncouth, wooden cross, 



POEMS. 

Where ended Jesus' earthly mission, 
Where gold turned into dross. 

For one, who once had loved his Master, 

Betrayed Him to His foe, 
And he who should have stood beside Him 

Refused his Lord to know ; 
Ah, Peter, whom He called the Rock, 

Where had thy firmness gone. 
That thou couldst not withstand the shock. 

But left thy Lord alone ? 

Shall we, for whom He gave His life, 

Turn from His gentle voice ? 
Shall we not conquer in the strife, 

And with our Lord rejoice ? 
Shall we not humbly bend the knee, 

Come at His loving call? 
From earth's temptations turn and flee, 

Before His footstool fall ? 

And learn from Him this lesson well, — 

To lend a helping hand 
To young and old, His story tell 

Throughout this broad, fair land ; 
To cheer the sad, the sick, the poor. 

To aid them when they falter. 
To take a firmer stand before 

God's fair and holy altar. 



10 P0E3IS. 



THE SISTER OF CHARITY. 

In the silence of my chamber 

Peace came to my weary soul 
Long I sought to find my Saviour 

When the billows near me rolled ; 
Suddenly a sweet voice, saying 

" Come and give thine heart to Me," 
Fell like balm upon my sorrow, — 

Where, oh where can Jesus be ? 

And, in answer to my question. 

Came His peace into my heart. 
Taking all my grief and sadness, 

Joy and gladness to impart. 
To His voice, I pra}^ you, listen 

In the silence of the night ; 
It will peace and comfort give you. 

Make the darkest way grow light. 

In the silence of my chamber 

Peace comes to my weary soul ; 
And I fear not, He is with me 

When the billows o'er me roll ; 
And His loving hand shall guide me 

Through the darksome vale of death, 
And I evermore will praise Him, — 

Praise Him with my latest breath. 



POEMS. 11 



HOPE. 



Eyes that are closed to the bright sunlight, 
To the glittering stars and the moon's pale 

light ; 
Closed to the beauties of our earthly home, 
But not to the glories of the Eternal Throne. 

Eyes that are closed to the beauty of flowers. 
To the glist'ning drops of refreshing showers ; 
Closed to the grandeur of the lofty trees. 
But not to the sweetness of the cooling 
breeze. 

Eyes that are closed to the dear mother's face ; 
Closed to her smile of infinite grace ; 
But not to the touch of her tender hands, — 
For these are the things which the heart 
understands. 

Oh eyes of earth's favored one, give unto 

them sight, 
Thro' the brightness of your eyes give unto 

them light ; 
Show unto the afflicted the beauties of earth, 
Teach them of Jesus, and of the new birth. 

Give unto them ears to hear of His love. 
Show them the way to His bright liome above. 



12 POEMS. 

Impress this thought deep into their mind, 
That Jesus has said, '' I'll be eyes to the blind, 

" I'll be ears to the deaf, and lips to the dumb, 
If they'll list to My voice, and unto Me come. 
In Heaven your eyes shall be opened by Me, 
Your souls shall be glorified, you shall be 
free." 



LITTLE BIRDIE. 

Little Birdie's safe in Heaven, 
Safe in Jesus' loving arms. 

Earth for me has lost its brightness. 
Home for me has lost its charm. 

"Send for papa," cried my darling, 
" For I'm going out from thee ; 

Send for papa ; I am dying. 
And his face I want to see." 

Little, darling, blue-eyed baby. 

Following grandpa round the farm. 

Laughing, singing, oh so merry. 
Father, keep my child from harm. 

How I listened to the music 
Of that gleesome baby voice ! 



POEMS. 13 

And my darling little Birdie 
Made my mother heart rejoice. 

But my little treasure sickened, 
Drooped the little golden head ; 

And the blue eyes closed in slumber, — 
She was numbered with the dead. 

But her soul is safe in Heaven, 

Safe in Jesus' loving arms. 
Earth for nie has lost its brightness. 

Home for me has lost its charm. 



FAINTING AND WEARY. 

Fainting and weary, I dropped by the way- 
side. 
And sent up to God a passionate cry ; 
When into my soul a deep calm descended; 

Lo ! Jesus of Nazareth passeth by ! 
Was it a dream, or was it a whisper. 

Telling of God and His merciful care ? 
That stilled my wild sorrow, and lifted me 
quickly. 
And bade me look up, for the world was 
still fair. 



14 POEMS. 

And soon, in my gladness for comfort so 
given, 
I took up my cross of sickness and pain, 
It had grown far lighter, and I thankfully 
promised 
That I would never be discouraged again. 
Kind friends He has found me, who tenderly 
nurse me, 
And cheer me with words of comfort and 
love. 
And help me look upward, when sickness 
comes near me. 
To seek consolation from my Saviour 
above ; — 
Dear Nellie, whose hands are so soft and so 
tender. 
Whose heart overflows with love unto all. 
And all the dear friends, who are waiting so 
near me. 
And answer so quickly whene'er I may call. 
And so, for these riches my Father has given, 

I gratefully lift my full heart unto Him. 
Triumphantly singing, I'll march on to 
Heaven, 
And lay down the cross, His bright crown 
to win. 



POEMS. 



15 



GEMS OF THOUGHT. 

From day to day our plans are laid ; 
From little things our life is made ; 
'Tis but a moment, and the veil is riven ; 
'Tis but a step from earth to Heaven. 

There is a love, all other loves commanding, 

Which gives to us the peace that passeth un- 
derstanding ; 

And tho\ to us, the gold of life seems turning 
into dross, 

We'll surely find that love, O Christ, by 
clinging to Thy Cross. 



THE ROAD TO HAPPINESS. 

I HAVE lost the road to happiness. 

Pray help me to find it again. 
Is it up the rough and rocky steep 

That leads to the mountain glen ? 

Or is it found in the winding way 
That leads through the wilderness. 

Where Solomon's Seal and Bethlehem's Star 
Are found in their shady nest ? 



16 POEMS. 

By some it is found in the thorn-strewn path 

That leads to the Father's feet, 
Through many sighs and tears and prayers 

That reach to the Mercy-seat. 

By others 'tis found in the simple act 

Of following the Golden Rule. 
And for some the path of happiness lies 

In the discipline of sorrow's school. 

Before me the delicate, intricate path 

Lies misty and indistinct. 
I sit me down in deepest thought, — 

I can only wonder and think. 

I know that for those who live to themselves 
'Tis vain and delusive, tho' fair ; 

It leadeth their eager, unwary feet 
Into many a pitfall and snare. 

Sometimes the road to happiness 

Goes down through the valley of woe, 

To appear again, in sunshine and hope, 
If we do the best that we know. 

I think that the road to happiness 

Lies just in this simple fact, — 
That we walk in the path by Jesus marked out 

In every word and act. 



POEMS. ^"^ 



I know that this is all God requires, 
As He leads us thro' sorrow's school, 

And purifies us in affliction's fires, 
That we follow the Golden Rule. 



CONFESSION. 

Confess it, O my soul ! 

That Jesus is the Lord. 
Confess it in your sweetest song, 

To the glory of your God. 

To God your Father sing. 

That Jesus is the Lord ; 
Let it through all the ages ring. 

And sound it all abroad. 

He knows our every thought; 

Then let us live aright. 
Let childhood of His love be taught, — 

'Twill be to them a light. 

A light unto the little feet. 
Just treading in life's maze, 

A comfort to their hearts most sweet. 
And brighten all their days. 



18 roEMS. 



PRAYER. 



O Father, give me strength to bear 

Whate'er Thou sendest me. 
Oh may I cast oat every fear, 

And from the tempter flee. 

Oh give me strength to walk therein — 
The paths Thou leadest me. 

Cleanse me from every petty sin, 
And may I lowly be. 

For tho' I tread life's darkest maze, 

Until my race is run, 
Upward I lift mine eyes, and gaze 

Upon the glory of Thy Son. 

Then, Father, give me strength to bear 

The woes and ills of life, 
Until the pure white robes I wear, 

And ended be the strife. 



POEMS. 19 



DOUBT. 



"Am I dying ? " asked a maiden, 
With a faint and fluttering sigli, 

" Am I dying ? Tell me quickly. 
I am sore afraid to die ! " 



Yes, fair maiden, thou art dying, 
But you need not have a fear. 

Jesus waits within the portals. 
He to you is very near. 

In His arms of love He'll take you, 
In a fond and close embrace, 

And your fears shall quickly vanish 
When you see His glorious face. 

Yes, fair maiden, thou art dying. 

But the world is bright and fair 
With the light of Jesus' glory. 

Pain and death ne'er enter there. 



20 POEMS. 



SOONER OR LATER. 

Sooner or later we must move on, 
And leave our place for another throng. 
Sooner or later we must pass away 
Into the realms of endless day. 

Sooner or later the grave shall close 
Over us, in our silent repose. 
Sooner or later the storms will break 
Over our heads, but we will not wake. 

Sooner or later our tongues shall praise 
The Father who moves in mysterious ways. 
Sooner or later the clouds shall disperse. 
That gather so darkly o'er the Universe. 

Sooner or later the trials that now 
Make the heart ache, and the head to bow, 
Will be forgotten in that glorious Home, 
Where sorrow and anguish dare not come. 

Sooner or later ! how simple the words ! 
Their echo in every clime is heard, 
In every valley, on every hill. 
In every river and little rill. 



POEMS. 2^ 

Sooner or later the sun shall shine 
Over the world with rays divine. 
Sooner or later the Saviour shall call, 
Not one be forgotten, He remembereth all. 

Sooner or later the Kingdom of God 

Shall be ours, if we study with rev'rence His 

word ; 
And the way, now dark, shall be winsome and 

bright. 
And the crosses we carry be easy and light. 

Sooner or later ! yet the world moves on, 
Tho' voices are still, once heard in song ;^ 
Tho' the great and the good pass swiftly 

away. 
Yet we heed them not; we are moving 

alway. 



ODE TO SUMMER. 

Summer is passing, its flowers are fading. 
And soon they will wither and die. 

Autumn is coming, for dahlias are blooming, 
And lifting their proud heads on high. 



22 POEMS. 

A lesson we're learning, while leaves are 
turning, 
A lesson of faith in the Lord. 
We're growing in beauty while doing our 
duty, 
And learning to trust in His word. 



A TOKEN OF LOVE AND REGARD. 

To my sister and brother, Esther and George, 
Who lately have left Fraternity Lodge, 

I give this little token ; 
Tho' they have left, and we are bereft, 
'Tis their own will they are not with us still. 

And friendship remains unbroken. 
The pledge they have taken will ne'er be 

forsaken. 
And when God in His love shall call us 
above. 
To meet in His glorious Temple, 
We are one family still, and we bend to His 
will. 
And follow His bright example. 



POEMS. 2^ 



HEAVENLY SEED. 
From the bed of sickness Heavenly seed is 

sown, 
And thro' patient sufe'ring the heavenly 

crown is won. 
If we bear earth's crosses meekly, a happiness 

we find, , 

And can make all others happy by being true 

and kind. 
If God sends us sorrow, we know He sends 

in love, 
To lift our hearts from earth unto His heaven 

Where, in His many mansions, a home He 
has prepared, ^ 

For all who in His love believe, who m His 
Name have dared. 

For all who spread the tidings of great joys 
to come. 

For all who help to lead the weary wan- 
derers home. 

Then on thy bed of sickness take comfort, 

rich and sweet. 
Until He calls you home, and makes your lite 
complete. 



24 POEMS. 



FAITH. 



" Am I dying ? " asked a pilgrim 
In a feeble, trembling tone ; 

"Am I dying? Tell me quickly. 
Am I really going home ? 

" Are the clouds that darkly lower 
Round my white and aged head, 

Are the clouds about to scatter, 
And the stars shine overhead ? 

" Is my Saviour really ready 
For my final coming home ? 

And within His land of beauty, 
Will my tired feet soon roam ? " 

Aged pilgrim, thou art surely 
Going home to dwell for aye I 

Fold thine hands and rest thee sweetly. 
Thou art not afraid to die. 



POEMS. 25 



QUERIES. 



Do the sorrows of a lifetime 

Flit before our fading eyes 
When our weary, drooping spirit 

Wings its way to yonder skies ? 
Will the actions of a lifetime 

Fill us with a vain regret 
When, beyond the fleeting shadows. 

With our loved ones we have met ? 
Will the heart-sighs and the anguish 

Give to us a sad unrest, 
When we've passed beyond the portals 

Of the glorious land of rest? 



ANSWER. 

Nay, my soul, there is no sorrow 

In that land beyond the grave. 
In that sweet, that bright to-morrow 

In life's river we shall lave. 
There, with sorrow all forgotten. 

We shall sit at Jesus' feet ; 
All our sins shall be forgiven. 

In Him to find a rest complete. 






26 POEMS. 

AND THE VOICE OF JESUS SAID, 
" COME." 

Listen ! 'tis the voice of Jesus, 

Sounding loud and clear : 
" Place your hand in Mine, confiding. 

There is naught for you to fear. 

" Earth is fair, but Heaven is fairer. 

Rich the treasures there ! 
Sapphire walls and emerald carpets : 

Heaven is bright, and pure, and fair. 

" Come unto your Father's mansions, 

Evermore to dwell. 
Drink the never-failing waters 

From the everlasting well." 



JESUS' PROMISE. 

Weary mother, lay your burden 
Quickly down at Jesus' feet ; 

He will take away your sorrow. 
And be to you a sure retreat. 



POEMS. 27 

" Come unto Me, ye heavy laden, 

And I will give you peace. 
Come, trust in Me, My word is given, 

Then let your murmurings cease." 



" Blessed Saviour, loved Redeemer, 
At Thy feet I'll lay me down. 

Take, O take my weary burden, 
Let me win the precious crown. 

" Let me take Thy yoke upon me. 
Make it easy for my soul. 

Let me ever keep beside Thee, 
When the billows o'er me roll." 



" I will never leave thee, daughter, 
Thee I never will forsake. 

Come, and of the peace of Heaven, 
In the arms of love, partake." 



28 POEMS. 



THOSE WHOM HE LOVETH HE 
CHASTENETH. 

To the shorn lamb God tempers the wind, 
And we ever shall find Him just, gentle, and 

kind. 
For those whom He loveth He chasteneth. 
And in kindness He sendeth the angel of 

Death. 

The mother thou lovest has passed away 
From the sorrows of earth unto endless day. 
Then grieve not for her, for the end is peace. 
And her prisoned soul has found release. 

And unto her loved one who sorrows alone, 
A comforter unto his sad heart shall come ; 
Even Jesus, the dearly beloved of God, 
Shall help him to bear the chast'ning rod. 

Then sorrow thou not, as one without friend, 
But comforting messages unto him send ; 
And bid him to trust in the Father of love. 
Until he shall meet her in Heaven above. 



POEMS. 



29 



<'LET NOT YOUR HEART BE 
TROUBLED." 

Let not your heart be troubled, 

Neither let it be afraid. 
For unto you the Saviour 

A loving promise made. 
« Come, all ye who are weary. 

And I will give you rest ; 
Come, lay your weary, aching head 

Upon My loving breast ! 
Come, all ye heavy laden, 

Come quickly unto Me, 
For in My mansions fair I have 

A home prepared for thee. 
Come, take My yoke upon you, 

It easy is, and light. 
Come, learn of Me, ye children. 

And life shall be more bright. 
And when for you the night comes on, 

Lean heavily on Me ; 
My arm is ever round thee thrown. 

Sweet peace shall dwell with thee. 



30 POEMS. 



I DO BELIEVE. 

I DO believe, I do believe. 
Mj errors, Lord, I would retrieve ; 
Thy blood, dear Lord, was shed for me : 
Thy faithful follower I would be. 

Thou bendest down from Pisgah's Mount; 
The pain and trouble do not count ; 
Thy love is given full and free : 
Thy faithful follower I will be. 

I do believe, I do believe. 
Thy spirit, Lord, I would not grieve ; 
My soul mounts up in love to Thee, 
Thy faithful follower I will be. 



CAST THY BURDEN. 

Cast thy burden on the Lord, 

And He shall sustain thee 

And comfort thee. 
No matter what thine earthly cares. 

Or what thy cross may be. 
His loving hand, all-powerful. 

Is stretched forth unto all, 



POEMS. 



31 



Oh clasp it close, believe on Him, 

Obey His loving call. 
Cast thy burden on the Lord, 
And He will comfort thee ; 
When heavy sorrows press the heart, 

Unto His presence flee ; 
When one by one our dearest friends 

Are fading from our sight, — 
When darksome shadows falling. 

And all seems gloom and night, — 
If we but lift our hearts to Him 

His glory we shall see. 
Then cast thy burden on the Lord 

And He will comfort thee. 
Then cast thy burden on the Lord, 

And neither faint nor fall ; 
His ear is to our voice inclined, 

He heareth when we call. 
He will sustain thee ! never fear ! 

Obey His mandates well. 
He knoweth all our wants and woes, 

Our every thought can tell. 
Then cast thy burden on the Lord, 

And He will comfort thee ; 
He will sustain the fainting heart, 
His arm o'ershadows thee. 



32 POEMS. 



INVOCATION. 

O Lord ! my wandering footsteps guide, 
And keep me ever by Thy side ; 
Blest with the wealth of Thy great love, 
May I look up to Heaven above. 

When o'er my head fierce storms shall break, 
And passions dark my soul shall shake. 
Send down to me Thy precious gift, 
And from my soul the burden lift. 

And when, my life-work all complete, 
I stand before the mercy-seat. 
Ope wide for me the golden door. 
And make me blest forever-more. 



FADING SUNLIGHT. 

Softly now the sunlight's fading. 
Fading from our sight away ; 

And its golden light is turning. 
Turning into silver-gray. 

Soon the bright stars will be shining. 
Shining out into the night ; 

And pale Luna will be shedding. 
Shedding pure and ambient light. 



POEMS. ^^ 

So 'twill be when earth is fading, 
Fading from our sight away ; 

Heaven's light for us is shining, 
Shining forth in endless day. 



UNITED IN CHRIST. 

United all in Christ are we, 

Undivided we shall stand ; 
And every foot shall eager press 

The border of fair Canaan's land. 

The rich and poor, the bond and free, 

Alike shall see His face. 
Not one shall there unbidden be. 

And all shall profit by His grace. 

Oh glorious faith ! that cheers the heart, 
When we are bowed in grief ; 

That takes the sting from Satan's dart. 
And brings us sweet relief. 

Oh weary, heavy-laden soul. 

Look upward to your God ; 
Come, lay your burden at His feet. 

Heaven is your sure reward. 



34 POEMS. 



FALLING SHADOWS. 

When the shadow on me falls, 
And my name my Saviour calls, 
I shall hear His gentle voice 
Bid my weary heart rejoice ; 
He my loving guide shall be, 
Ever and eternally. 

Weary pilgrim ! come to Him, 
Cast away your load of sin ; 
He will cheer you on your way, 
Hold you up from day to day ; 
And your name He'll surely call. 
When the shadows on you fall. 



PASSION POEMS. 

Theee is many a poem of passion unsung ; 
There is many a delicate harp unstrung, 
Whose strings are broken and give no sound, 
But lie quiet and still, in a silence profound. 
There is only One who hath the key, 
He alone can fathom the mystery. 



POEMS. ^^ 

There is many a heart that has quietly 

broken, 
There is many a poem of passion unspoken, 
There is many a life that is cold and drear, 
And many a soul that is filled with fear. 
There is only One who hath the key. 
He alone can fathom the mystery. 



THE MASTER'S WILL. 

If we follow the will of the Master, 
Good seed in His ground we shall sow, 

Which shall blossom into new beauty. 
And the fruit of the Vine shall grow. 

If we follow the will of the Master 
When the way seems dark and drear, 

The light of His presence shall guide us. 
And there will be nothing to fear. 

If we follow the will of the Master, 

Tho' the friends that we love pass away. 

We shall know that the Father has called 
them, 
In His mansions forever to stay. 



36 POEMS. 

If we follow the will of the Master, 

When we stand in the presence of death, 

His justice we never shall question, 
But praise Him with every breath. 

Yes, in following the will of the Master, 
Good seed in His garden we sow ; 

Which shall blossom into new beauty. 
And the fruit of the Vine shall grow. 



GOD'S POWER. 

In every waving blade of grass, 

In every little flower. 
That daily in my walks I pass, 

I see God's wondrous power. 

And every tiny drop of rain 
Which falls in gentle shower, 

And then in mist ascends again. 
Tells of His wondrous power. 

The little birds that gaily trill 
Their songs in morning hour, 

And all the air with music fill. 
Sing of His wondrous power. 



POEMS. 37 

THE DECLARATION. 

" I AM the Resurrection and the Life," 

Thus saith our Saviour dear ; 
And from the wide world's busy strife 

The people all drew near. 

They listened (scarce was heard a breath) 

Unto His promise sweet. 
He takes the terror from grim death, 

Gives His beloved sleep. 

From weeping eyes He wipes all tears, 

Leads us to God above ; 
He bids us cast away our fears, 

And give Him perfect love. 



EASTER. 

Uprose the mighty throng 

Through all this broad domain ; 
They sang their sweetest Easter song, 
And this the glad refrain : 
Christ the Lord is risen, 
Is risen, is risen again. 
Christ the Lord is risen, 
He hath not died in vain. 



88 POEMS, 

The music rolled along, 

Beneath the cloudless sky, 
And angels round the Throne 
Re-echoed back the cry : 

Christ the Lord is risen, 
Is risen, is risen again. 
Christ the Lord is risen. 
He hath not died in vain. 

And on this Easter day, 

Your joyous hearts upraise ; 
For Jesus is the Way ; 

Give Him your sweetest praise. 
Christ the Lord is risen. 
Is risen, is risen again. 
Christ the Lord is risen, 
He hath not died in vain. 

Throughout this broad domain 

Uprose the mighty throng ; 
And angels caught the sweet refrain 
Of this, their Easter song : 
Christ the Lord is risen. 
Is risen, is risen again. 
Christ the Lord is risen, 
He hath not died in vain. 



P0EM8. 39 



TRANSPOSITION. 

Jesus, lover of my soul, 

Gentle, tender, Thy caress, 
Let me to Thy bosom fly 

When I am in sore distress ; 
While the billows near me roll. 

Lift my head above the flood ; 
While the tempest still is high. 

Save me by Thy precious blood. 

Hide me, O my Saviour hide. 

Hide me from earth's rude alarms ; 
Till the storm of life is past. 

Hold me in Thy shelf ring arms ; 
Safe into the haven guide. 

Where sv^^eet peace is ever found ; 
Oh receive my soul at last, 

Where Thy saints are ever crowned. 

Other refuge have I none. 

Only Thee to whom I fly. 
Hangs my helpless soul on Thee, 

Up to Thee ascends my cry ; 
Leave, ah, leave me not alone 

In this weary vale of tears ; 
Still support and comfort me. 

Soothe my woes and calm my fears. 



40 POEMS. 

All my trust on Thee is stayed, 

Brother, friend, and comforter, 
All my help from Thee I bring. 

Thou to me art ever dear ; 
Cover my defenceless head. 

Which I bow before Thy face. 
With the shadow of Thy wing. 

Send to me redeeming grace. 



SUBMISSION. 

O God ! Thou living God, 

Thou art with us to-day ; 
Within our flutt'ring, trembling hearts 

Do Thou forever stay. 

The sun shall shine by day, 
The moon give light by night ; 

Send Thou to us the precious gift 
Which sheds an inner light. 

Oh let us labor true ! 

Whatever it may be 
Our hands shall find to do. 

We do it unto Thee. 



POEMS. 41 

The Spirit of our God 

Is ours, by right divine : 
Help us, O Lord, to seek it now, 

For we must then be Thine. 

Oh may our helpfuhiess 

Be known and felt by all ; 
And never, never let us cause 

A weaker brother's fall. 

Oh may we find the truth, 

And keep it all our days ; 
And may we find the living God, 

And walk within His ways. 



ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSAL- 
IST CHURCH, GLOUCESTER, MASS. 

More than a hundred years ago 

John Murray came, to prove 
Salvation free to all the world. 

And Christ's redeeming love. 

He proved it by the faith he brought 

To old Atlantic's shore ; 
Of universal love he taught. 

And thousands asked no more. 



42 POEMS. 

The weary sinner bowed his head 
While at Christ's feet he prayed ; 

And God, in His o'er whelming love, 
The tide of anguish stayed. 

Just as He, in those days of old. 

The tribes of Israel led 
From out the darksome wilderness, 

And gave them heavenly bread ; 

So, just a hundred years ago, 

He led a little band. 
Who raised themselves from narrow creeds. 

And clasped His loving hand. 

He sent to them this holy man. 

To teach them of His love ; 
To show them how to find the way 

That leads to Heaven above. 

To teach them how to gentle be. 

Each other's burdens bear ; 
And thus, thro' all the coming years. 

The Saviour's armor wear. 

Methinks he heard his Saviour's voice. 
Which bade th' Apostles hear, 

While spake He thus these words of hope. 
Of comfort, and of cheer : 



POEMS. 43 

" And I, if I be lifted up, 

Will draw all men to Me ; 
And he who does my will on earth, 

In Heaven My face shall see." 

To every one this promise given. 

Let all the world proclaim 
The wonders of His matchless love, 

And bless His holy Name. 

This promise blest which He has given. 
Brings us nearer God and Heaven ; 

And thus our faith is brought to prove 
The glory of Redeeming Love. 



RAPTURE. 

It bursts on my glorified vision at last : 
The light from my Father's throne I 

The arms of my Saviour are holding me fast, 
The angels are bidding me come. 

What tho' like the leaves we are fading 
away, 
No sorrow can come to us there ; 
There's naught on the earth that bids us 
to stay, 
Or to doubt the dear Father's care. 



44 POEMS. 

Our life flows on with its various tints. 

The freshness of childhood we knew ; 
And then came youth, with bright rosy glints, 

Mingled with sunshine and dew. 

And when the autumn of life we shall reach, 
Followed by old Winter's snow ; 

The fading leaf a lesson shall teach, 
A lesson that all should know. 

A lesson of faith in the Father on high, 

Of faith and trust in His love ; 
Of faith in the trials that our strength shall 

try, 
Ere we enter that Haven above. 



I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER 
LIVETH. 

I KNOW that my Redeemer liveth, 

I know He cares for me ; 
His tender love to all He giveth. 

What need of more have we ? 

What tho' my life be full of care. 

He sees and knows it all ; 
But pure and white the robe I'll wear, 

When I answer to His call. 



POEMS. 45 

'Tis for my good He sends the pain ; 

And if I make my choice 
To follow Him, 'twill be my gain : 

Rejoice, my soul, rejoice. 



SONG OF JUBILEE. 

Hark! the songs of jubilee, 
Sounding loud o'er land and sea ; 
'Tis the wide world's glad refrain : 
Christ has died, and risen again. 

Christ the Lord died not in vain : 
Freedom from sin did all men gain ; 
For, following Him, they found the way 
From darkness into glorious day. 

Thus all the world must follow Him, 
To find redemption from its sin ; 
He saith to all, " I am the Way ; 
Come, follow Me, go not astray. 

'' I'll lead you to your Father's throne, 
Beside Him find your rightful home ; 
And there with Him, your sins confessed. 
You'll find for aye eternal rest." 



46 POEMS. 

CONSIDER THE LILIES. 

Consider the lilies of the field : 

They toil not, neither spin ; 
With every passing breeze they yield 

Their fragrance unto Him. 

Consider the lilies, how they grow : 

How sweet, how passing fair. 
Their garments white and glist'ning, show 

A lustre rich and rare. 

Ah, Solomon, thou Eastern king. 

Living in glorious ease ; 
The garments that thy servants bring 

Are far surpassed by these. 

• 

Their robes are pure and white like snow, 

Their hearts are finest gold ; 
Day after day they fairer grow, 

And beauties new unfold. 

Oh may the lily to us be 

An emblem pure and true ; 
And may our hearts with purity 

Be filled, like heavenly dew. 

May we from them a lesson learn, 

Of faith, of trust, and love ; 
May we like them our faces turn 

To God, who reigns above. 



POEMS. 47 



COMFORT. 

To the city of Jesus go carry your woe : 

To the New Jerusalem ; 
He'll lighten your burdens if to Him you go, 

Your weakness He will not condemn. 

He will lift up your head when 'tis sunk in 
despair, 
Your troubles He'll carry for you ; 
Your lover, your helper, your Saviour, and 
friend, 
To you He will ever be true. 

Then trust in His love, it will comfort your 
heart. 

Though troubled your pathway may be ; 
If you from His counsel will never depart, 

His promise will make you free. 

To the city of Jesus then carry your woe, 

To the New Jerusalem ; 
He'll guide you, and help you to conquer the 
foe, 

Your failings He will not condemn. 



48 POEMS. 



ANTHEM. 



Hark ! I hear the children singing, 
Hear them singing loud and clear ; 

And their voices, sweetly ringing, 
Fall upon my list'ning ear. 

Singing " Glory be to Jesus, 

He was born on Christmas Day ; 

He for us His life has given, 
He will wash our sins away. 

" And His love for little children, 
While He on this earth did live, 

Was the theme of many mothers ; 
It to them did comfort give. 

" For His nature it was childlike ; 

And He taught them all to know. 
If they wished to enter Heaven, 

That they too must childlike grow. 

" For the Father, on whose mission 
He did visit our fair earth. 

Asks of us a guileless nature, 
Ere we reach the second birth. 

" That shall take us into glory. 
That shall place us at His side. 



POEMS. 49 

And altho' we struggle wildly, 

We no thought from Him can hide." 

Yes, I hear the children singing ; 

And their voices loud and clear, 
Like an echo from the angels. 

Fall upon my list'ning ear. 



MEDITATION. 

O WHY do I pine in sorrow ? 

O wh}^ do I weep and moan? 
There cometh a bright to-morrow, 

Which I can call my own. 

For the Saviour our Father sent us, 
Has this loving promise given : 

That He will never forsake us, 
We shall come to Him in Heaven. 

Then cast away all your sadness : 
For the waves on the golden shore 

Are singing, in joy and gladness, 

"Praise the Lord our God evermore." 



50 POEMS. 

THE SONG OF NATURE. 

The Forces of Nature spake together one day, 

And unto each other did joyfully saj^ : 

'' Let us sing in harmony a song of such 

length, 
That as ages roll on we shall gather new 

strength." 

The bass of old Ocean came rolling along ; 
The alto to the musical Pines did belong; 
The soprano of Birds rose high above all ; 
With the tenor which rings thro' the woods 
in the Fall. 

Thus the choir of Nature in harmony sang, 
And the anthem in glorious symphony rang ; 
While the human heart, with its delicate 

strings, 
Tuned in unison with Nature, its tribute 

brings. 

Thus the song rose, full, triumphant, and 

clear ; 
No discord was heard by the Omnipotent 

Ear ; 
And on through the ages the music still rings. 
Giving thanks to the Giver of all beautiful 

things. 



FOEMS. 61 



ALL SOULS ARE MINE. 

" All souls are Mine," thus saith the Lord. 

All souls are mine for aye, 
All who in saintly ways have trod, 

All w^ho have gone astray. 

I'll seek them, — hark ! the Saviour's voice 

Is sounding sweet and clear ; 
I'll make their heavy hearts rejoice, 

And they shall know no fear. 

I'll find them, wheresoe'er they flee, 

I'll bring them back again ; 
I'll bid them come and follow me. 

And wash away the stain. 

I'll lead them to the narrow way 
Wherein their feet may tread ; 

To Him who lovingly did say, 
" I'll give the hungry bread." 

I'll lead the thirsty where the stream 

Of living waters flow ; 
Where they may drink, and see the gleam 

That falls on us below ; 



52 POEMS. 

The radiance from our Father's home, 
Which abideth thro' all time ; 

And there He tenderly bade us come, 
When He said, " All souls are Mine. 



COMMUNION. 

At the table of the Lord, 
Soul with soul communing ; 

Music from the choir above, 
All our hearts attuning. 

In remembrance sweet of Him, 
Of the bread partaking ; 

Greater love to God and man 
In our hearts awaking. 

Drinking of the wine of life 
From the cup o'erflowing ; 

Holier, happier thoughts are now 
In our nature growing. 

Giving praise to Him in song. 
Tuneful voices ringing. 

Incense to the Lord of Hosts, 
Each and all are bringing. 



POEMS. 53 



THE LOVE OF GOD. 

Thro' all our days the love of God 

A light divine shall shed ; 
And thro' life's stormy, tortuous paths 

Our footsteps shall be led 

In safety to the throne of God, 

In safety to life's end. 
Then let us read His sacred word. 

The knee in reverence bend. 

Whate'er of grief or sorrow ours, 
With deathless faith we wait 

Thro' all the lonely, weary hours, 
And watch the Golden Gate. 

We soon shall see that gate ajar, 

Bidding us enter in ; 
The light of Heaven shines forth afar, 

To show the way therein. 

Then come to Him, whose presence is 

A light unto our feet ; 
The children of the earth are His. 

With Him life is complete. 



54 POEMS. 

THE LITTLE CRUCIFIX. 

A CRUCIFIX upon my table stood, 

A little thing, not made of wood. 

But base of jet with milk-white cross, — 

A symbol of the world's great loss. 

And yet, to me that simple thing 

Speaks of our risen Lord and King ; 

And, while it stood before my eyes, 

Visions of ancient days did rise. 

What scene is this that now I see ? 

'Tis midnight in Gethsemane ; 

And while the world in slumber lay. 

The Man of sorrows came to pray ; 

And, while He knelt, and prayed, and wept. 

His careless friends about Him slept. 

Rising, to where they lay He came, 

And called His dearest friend by name. 

Saying, " While clouds above me lower 

Could ye not watch-with Me one hour ? '* 

They answered not, but, sleeping still. 

Regarded not their Master's will. 

Again He passed beyond their sight, 

And thus He prayed that bitter night : 

" If it be possible, O God, I pray 

That from my lips this cup shall pass away ; 

But if this death to Me must come, 

Thy will, God, not mine, be done." 



POEMS. 55 

Sweet peace upon His brow now shone, 
The terror of the grave was gone ; 
He bade His sleeping friends arise, 
Ere morning broadened in the skies. 
While yet He spake the rabble came 
With traitor Judas, — ah ! what shame. 
Within his palm the thirty pieces lay, 
That tempted him that woful day. 
Tears dim my eyes ; no more I see 
The garden of Gethsemane. 
But this the lesson that I learn — 
To teach the people how to turn 
Unto the way wherein their feet 
Must walk, to make their life complete. 
And thus the Cross becomes to me 
A landmark to eternity. 



THE PILOT. 

Gently rocking on the billow. 
Aught of fear we do not feel ; 

As we ride upon the ocean. 
There's a pilot at the wheel. 

Thus it is, upon life's billows, 
Rest doth o'er our senses steal. 

Pleasant dreams doth haunt our pillow, 
There's a Pilot at the wheel. 



56 POEMS. 

Pilgrim on life's troubled journey, 
Meekly bow thine head and kneel, 

Sending j^rayer and praises upward 
To the Pilot at the wheel. 

When the storm-clouds round us threaten, 
And our slender bark doth reel, 

Keep your faith still firm, unshaken, 
In the Pilot at the wheel. 



THINK KINDLY OF ME. 

Think kindly of me when I am dead ; 
Speak no harsh words above my head ; 
Forget my failings, forgive my sins, 
'Tis those who forgive, the victory win. 

Let my pale face a pardon bespeak. 

For the spirit was willing tho' the flesh was 

weak; 
A loving heart was beneath the crust 
In this frail body, now turning to dust. 

Then fold my hands on my quiet breast. 

For at last has come the welcome rest ; 

In answer to His tender " Come," 

I have sought and found my heavenly home. 



POEMS. 57 



THE SOLDIER'S HOME AND BATTLE 
OF GETTYSBURG. 

High up in air, perched on a hill, 
Surrounded by a city fair, and sparkling rill, 
There stands the Soldiers' Home. 
Within its walls, so fresh and sweet, 
I viewed the rooms so clean and neat. 
All furnished with a tender care. 
By loving hands of ladies fair. 

At morn I saw the battle-ground, 

With death and carnage scattered round ; 

First came the troops, then prancing steed. 

Of danger then they took no heed ; 

With hearts that thrilled with glowing fire, 

With love of country, and of sire. 

They met the foe with glittering steel. 

Destruction here and there they deal. 

The rising smoke, the cannon's roar. 

The battle-ground all covered o'er 

With dead and dying, friend and foe. 

Blue sky above, green grass below, 

The distant hills, the lofty trees. 

The wheat-fields waving in the breeze. 

All made a picture grand to see. 

Yet all this was unreal to me. 



68 POEMS. 

From there I wend my way once more, 
From city street to ocean's shore ; 
With car and ferry's aid I come 
To Chelsea, where I found the Home. 
How different is the scene I meet ! 
No sound of war my ears doth greet ; 
But rural peace and quietness 
Delight my eyes, my senses rest. 
Slowly I climb that flight of steps, 
Survey the scene, and think perhaps 
Tho' I am here, I may not be 
This lovely place allowed to see. 
A soldier in his suit of blue, 
A soldier to his country true. 
Was slowly pacing up and down, 
With bloom and beauty scattered round. 
To him I came. I said to him, 
"Are visitors allowed within? " 
" Yes, ma'am," the soldier boy replied, 
" All days but one, please step this side, 
Go up those stairs, and walk around 
Until the front door you have found." 
We walked around, my friends and I, 
Until the way we did espy ; 
In answer to my call, a soldier came 
And bade us enter in their Home. 
With courtly grace, our soldier brother 
Showed us the rooms, one after another, 



POEMS. 59 

Explained to us the different corps, — 
'Twas all like Greek to us before. 
But now I saw, with pleasure great. 
That our helpless soldiers live in state. 
God bless those ladies I one and all, 
Who answered to their brothers' call. 
And found for them this lovely Home, 
Where want and sorrow cannot come. 
The battle-field, that was the cause, — 
Men must obey their country's laws ; 
But oh, my heart it doth exult, 
This beauteous Home is the result ! 
God bless our soldier boys I I pray ; 
Their courage won for us the day. 
Then let us not forget their need, 
But to their call for help take heed ; 
Tho' gold and silver have we none. 
With cheerful words and smiles we'll come, 
And cheer the lonely hearts of those 
Who, in their country's peril, rose 
And fought with valor bold and free, 
To keep our homes for you and me. 
God bless you, brothers ! let my words 
(Tho' you my voice have never heard) 
Come to your hearts with cheering light. 
And make for you one moment bright. 
That you may feel you're not forgot, 
And that far worse might be your lot. 



60 POEMS. 

God watches o'er you every day, 
And sees and cares for you alway ; 
He keej^s for you a place on high, 
His love will cheer you when you die. 
Then know that there's no walls of stone, 
Between the world and Soldiers' Home. 

O Soldiers' Home ! O blessed name ! 

O quiet resting place 

Of those who honest, brave, and true. 

Aspired not to fame ; • 

But, rising at their country's call. 

Left all that life holds dear, 

Left wife, and home, and children small. 

And faced grim death without a fear ; 

To battle for the right, 

For freedom, and for light, 

To cleanse the souls of men 

From slavery's fearful stain ; 

God gave to them a heart and soul 

To love and fear His Name, 

A right to dwell in happiness, 

To freedom and to fame. 

God bless the soldiers of the North, 

Who raised our glorious flag, 

And forward marched to right the wrong. 

Thro' vale, o'er mount, and crag. 

They never quailed, our brothers brave. 



JP0E3IS. 61 

But battled fierce and strong ; 

But many fill a soldier's grave, 

And we shall miss them long. 

Ah, yes ! their memory e'er shall be 

Enshrined within our hearts, 

With holy love and tenderness, 

Till we too shall depart. 

But those who, helpless, maimed, and weak, 

Now fill the Soldiers' Home, 

To them we words of comfort speak. 

To them with smiles we come. 

To them we owe a nation's thanks. 

God bless them evermore, 

The faded blue, the thinned ranks. 

The heart so sad and sore. 

Yes, bless them all, O God, I pray. 

And give unmeasured love 

To one and all, until that day 

When they shall meet with Thee above. 



TRAILING ARBUTUS. 

Sweet little harbinger of spring ! 
To many homes you pleasure bring ; 
Your blushing face, and perfumed breath, 
Whisper to us of Winter's death. 



62 POEMS. 

Your rosy tints, Aurora-born, 
Remind us of the gladsome morn ; 
O tender flower ! just sprung from earth. 
Ye tell us of the glad Spring's birth. 

Ye hide your heads under the snow. 
In shady woods where brooklets flow; 
And ope your eye on sunny hill. 
And all the air with fragrance fill. 

Sweet little harbinger of Spring ! 
Your dainty flowers a welcome bring ; 
We search the Winter's snow beneath, 
And cull you for a fairy wreath. 



"PEACE, BE STILL." 

" Be still and know that I am God ; " 
Bow down thine head and kiss the rod ; 
'Tis sent in love to bring thee home. 
Come, kneel before thy Father's Throne. 

Come, in His ear pour all your woes. 
And wrestle with your unseen foes ; 
Passions without and wrath within, 
And all the dread, dark fiends of sin. 



POEMS. 63 

Come, bare your soul before His eyes, 
Let incense from your heart arise ; 
If you to Him in meekness come, 
You'll find a Just and Holy One. 

Come, walk with Him the narrow way. 
Where forms of darkness cannot stay ; 
To all who walk in love with Him 
He gives a holy peace within. 

With the invisible cords of love 
He'll draw your hearts to Him above ; 
Then bow your heads, and kiss the rod 
Of Him who says, " I am your God." 



SEVENTEENTH OF JUNE. 

Day that tells of deeds of glory 

Wrought by patriots of old ! 
Tell it oft, in song and story, 

How they fought with courage bold. 

How they fought for home and country, 
For their children and their wives ; 

Fought with valor all undaunted. 
Bravely yielded up their lives, 



64 P0E3IS. 

That the future generations 
Might be free to dare and do, 

Grow into a mighty nation, 
Honest, upright, fearless, true. 

Have we yet fulfilled those wishes, 
Kept our honor clear and bright? 

Turned away from fame and riches. 
To do battle for the right ? 

Has not love of gold and silver 
Made us greedy after gain ? 

Learned us how to thieve and pilfer. 
Been our terror and our bane ? 

Has not seeking after office 
Made us crafty and untrue ? 

All unworthy of affection ? 
These the questions I ask you. 

Turn while yet the sun is shining, 
Turn to honor and to truth ; 

Turn before the day's declining ; 
Seek the soul's more perfect growth. 

Turn unto the paths of duty, 
Left for you by those of old ; 

Ye shall find a world of beauty, 
Better far than paltry gold. 



f 



POEMS. 65 



1776 — FOURTH OF JULY, 1887. 

The spirit of independence awakes, 

The people rise up in a mass ; 
The earth with the noise and the tumult 
doth shake 

As the mighty procession doth pass. 

The patriotic spirit of seventy-six 
Shines out from the children's eyes ; 

As with the crowd of their elders they mix, 
And the heavens resound with their cries. 

God bless our hero, grand Washington ! 

Now rises cheer upon cheer ; 
He who our country's freedom hath won, 

The hero who never knew fear. 

Old men, bowed down with the weight of 
years. 
And babes in their mother's arms, 
Young men and maidens, now quickly ap- 
pear. 
And little ones fearing no harm. 

All hearts are happy this glorious day, 
For our nation is proud and free ; 

And the flag of our country, in bright array, 
Floats out from house-top and tree. 



QQ POEMS. 

Grand union of colors so deftly entwined, — 
First, emblem of martyr blood shed ; 

Thy color this day shall bring to our mind 
Sweet thoughts of our heroes now dead. 

Second, emblem of purity ever found 
In the hearts of the matrons of old ; 

With triumph their prayer and their labors 
were crowned, 
Their honor was brighter than gold. 

Third, emblem of Heaven's own color so 
blue, 

Speaks unto the hearts of us all ; 
'Twas worn by the dear ones, tried and true, 

Who answered their country's call. 

For the red, white, and blue, of our own 
dear flag 

We will send up cheer upon cheer ; 
Let the echo resound from valley and crag : 

Hurrah for the flao^ to our hearts so dear ! 



THE SHOWER. 

A LITTLE cloud got tired one day 

Of naught but merry, careless play ; 

And to its friend electricity 

Said, " The earth is dry, do you not see ? 



POEMS. 67 

" Let's get together and send to earth 
A shower, to give the grass new birth, 
To freshen up the little flowers, 
And sparkle in the leafy bowers." 

The friends agreed ; and soon the cloud 
Grew into fair proportions, proud 
To do what he could find to do. 
To make the earth look fresh and new. 

The lightning playing in and out, 

Now here, now there, now all about ; 

The noise through space doth quick rebound, 

And greets our ears with thund'rous sound. 

The sky was covered with a frown, 
And very soon came tumbling down 
A tiny little drop of rain. 
Ah me ! 'twas very, very vain. 

But soon 'twas followed by another. 
The tiny little drop's twin brother ; 
They cooled the lips of one sweet flower, 
And soon there fell a copious shower. 

The earth received the rain with glee. 
It cooled the grass, each flower and tree ; 
And sent a sweet refreshing smell 
Thro' mount and vale, thro' hill and dell. 



68 POEMS. 

The air was sweet and redolent 
With breath of clover, flag, and mint ; 
While hyacinth and heliotrope 
With fragrant pinks and rose did cope. 

The work of little cloud complete, 
The earth and flowers refreshed and sweet, 
The sun came out, and, smiling bright, 
Made all things round us warm and light. 



THE EAGLE'S NEST. 

On a wild crag o'erhanging the sea 
A bald-eagle's nest you can plainly see ; 
And hovering restlessly over her brood, 
The mother-bird bids no stranger intrude. 
But look! the fierce eyes, how they glitter 

and gleam ! 
In the valley below a lambkin is seen ; 
Now poising her wing away she flies, 
And the lambkin in terrible agony cries. 
But in vain; with her talons she has him 

fast. 
His playful gambols forever are past ; 
In vain the struggles of the poor little thing. 
She has caught her prey, and is now on the 

wing ; 



FOEMS. 69 

Now here, now there, thro' tlie deep blue 

sky. 
She is ploughing her way to her home so 

high; 
And down before the ravenous brood 
Is placed the dainty morsel of food. 
It is thus forever where'er we may seek, 
The strong will be found to prey on the 

weak; 
And the lesser must ever give way to the 

great. 
For the eagle and dove can never be mates. 
And this lesson we learn from the eagle's 

nest — 
To keep out of their way is ever the best. 



A FRUITLESS SEARCH. 

Four roguish maids, one morning, went 

To seek the woodland bowers. 
Their minds upon this thought intent, — 

To gather sweet Spring flowers ; 
In merry glee they rode along. 

Rejoicing on their way ; 
Ne'er heeding that the sun had gone, 

And chilly grew the day. 



70 



POEMS. 



Throiigh winding paths and village street 

They journey, full of glee ; 
With merry words their friends they greet, 

And laugh when dark'ning clouds they 
see. 
But now, alas, the flowers they found — 

The snow flake pure and fair — 
Grew not upon the lowly ground, 

But filled the chilly air. 

Undaunted, yet they start for home 

Without the precious freight 
For which they had so early gone ; 

The hour was growing late. 
Young ladies, when you seek for pleasure 

Within the leafy glade. 
Just wait till May shall bring her treasure 

Into the woodland shade. 



Trailing arbutus, and Solomon's seal, 

And Bethlehem's pure white star, 
Their beauties from the sun shall steal. 

And fragrance send afar ; 
To herald forth their coming. 

To tempt your eager feet. 
While in the woods you're roaming. 

To seek their cool retreat. 



POEMS. 71 



THE LETTER. 

A LITTLE messenger in white 

Came from the Eastern shore, 
To tell us of the happiness 

That had entered at your door. 

That you had taken for your own 

A briery vine so sweet, 
Whose tendrils, clinging round your heart, 

Would make your life complete. 

And if around your happy home 
Little sweet-briers cling and twine. 

May they prove thornless when they grow 
To be lads and lasses fine. 

May your joys be many, sorrows few, 
Earth's brightest treasures thine ; 

These are the wishes I send you 
From out this heart of mine. 



72 POEMS. 

THE OLD HOMESTEAD, WEST 
GLOUCESTER. 

Before me lies a buncli of faded flowers, 

Gathered in an idle hour : 

The honej^suckle's fragrant bloom. 

The heath, suggestive flower of gloom ; 

The little gill-run-over-the-ground 

Li lavish wastefulness I found. 

These apple-blossoms, pink and white, 

Were once so dainty, fresh, and bright ; 

Reminding me of youthful days. 

Before I wandered in life's maze. 

Where do you think my flowers grew? 

Fond memories would waken if you knew. 

Through pastures green my feet were led, 

I paused before an old homestead ; 

The grass grew rank, the flowers ran wild. 

But an idle hour the place beguiled ; 

My heart grew sad as I gazed around 

Where little feet had pressed the ground, 

And laughter sweet, among the trees. 

Had gaily echoed on the breeze. 

O those grand old trees ! so gnarled and bent. 

Their shade to the lads and lasses have 

lent ; 
The rich, mellow fruit, now bitter has grown, 



POEMS. 73 

For the old trees blossom and fade alone ; 
And the dear old home, with its moss-grown 

wall, 
Is crooked and bent, and soon must fall. 
The floor-boards, all sodden, creaked under 

my feet. 
As I entered the door of that once-loved 

retreat ; 
And as I climbed up the rickety stair. 
The ghosts of departed ones seemed to be 

there ; 
The dear little babes who had nestled to 

sleep 
Under those eaves when the summer rains 

beat, 
And whose music lulled them to slumber at 

night, 
For the sunshine to wake them in morning 

light. 
No chimney was there, and the doors swung 

at will. 
And the desolate sight caused my heart to 

thrill 
With sadness, as I looked through the empty 

rooms 
Which once with youth and beauty did 

bloom ; 



74 POEMS. 

But it grew light again, as I remembered 

that God 
Has promised us all in His glorious word, 
That, tho' our tenements of dust must decay, 
The souls He has given shall live alway. 
So I left the old house, with its rust and its 

gloom. 
Passed out of the door and gazed on the 

earth's bloom, 
With a feeling of joy that its loved ones 

could meet 
In His heavenly home, each other to greet. 
When the cares and the trials of life are o'er. 
And they stand in His presence on the ever- 
green shore. 
Thus the old Haskell homestead faded from 

view. 
And, as I walked homeward, in my heart I 

knew. 
That as years rolled on it must moulder 

away. 
And that dear little children no more would 

play 
In its echoing rooms, or wander at will 
'Neath the aged trees where the wild birds 

trill ; 
But deep in their hearts fond memory must 

dwell. 



POEMS. 75 

To gladden and cheer, as the stories they tell 
Of their childhood's days, in that happy 

home. 
Before the time came when their footsteps 

must roam 
So far from the place where they learned to 

know 
That life must be earnest, and that they 

must go 
On its mission, with loving hearts strong and 

true, 
And that to succeed they must dare and do ; 
With hearts lifted upward, bend down to 

God's will. 
And thus the conditions of life to fulfil. 



TO CARRIE. 

My wish for thee, be jewels rare ; 
A heart and mind divinely fair ; 
Seeking companionship above, 
Walking with Him whose name is Love. 

Looking to Him who bade thee come 
And lay thy heavy burdens down ; 
Who bade thee seek thy Father's face, 
And ask of Him redeeming grace. 



76 FOEMS. 



TO ABBIE O. 



Dear Abbie O. ! though far away, 
To thee our loving thoughts will stray ; 
Praying for thee the dear Lord's care, 
To make your pathway bright and fair. 
That you, while seeking daily bread, 
The sunny walks of life may tread ; 
That you, while striving here to please. 
May find the way that leads to peace. 



THE FIRE. 

Last evening, while quietly sitting. 

And spinning a merry yarn, 
I suddenly heard a curious sound, 

That gave me a quick alarm. 
Turning to Annie (who sat by my side), 

" What is that ?" I made inquire. 
She opened the door, and, starting back. 

Cried, " My God ! my room is on fire ! " 
" Oh, Annie, your baby, go get him," I said, 

But she seemed not to hear me at all ; 
So into the room I fearlessly sped, 

And gathered up baby, blanket and all. 



POEMS. 11 

"Bring water," I cried; and in spite of the 
flaine 
Which rose in a column so bright, 
I speedily left the hot place again. 

Without getting much of a fright. 
The water was brought, and was quickly 
thrown 
Right into the midst of the fire, 
By the trembling hands of one who is known 

As Daniel, the aged grandsire. 
The fire extinguished, the damage summed 
up. 
The result you quickly shall know : 
The excitement over, we soon found out 
'Twas confined to a lamp, a dish, and 
bureau. 
We never shall know how it came about ; 

But the cause of the fire was seen 
In the shattered remains of chimney and 
lamp, — 
'Twas an explosion of kerosene. 

Three women were sitting together at ease, 

Enjoj^ing a season of rest ; 
When the sudden shock came, they quickly 
arose. 

And did what they thought was for best. 



78 POEMS. 

They quietly worked, no alarm was given, 
And the rest of the folks in the house 

Never heard of the fire until ten the next 
day. 
For they kept it as still as a mouse. 

MORAL. 

When you hear a strange noise, 

No matter how late, 
Rise quickly up 

And investigate. 



PAY THE DEBTS. 

A Levite passed, with haughty grace, 
A little child with smiling face. 

And tender, laughing eyes of blue, — 
No guile their sweet depths ever knew. 

A debt he owed he could not pay. 
To answer back was not his way ; 

He seemed to think this little boy 
A useless thing, an idle toy. 



POEMS. 79 

A man his brother once did greet, 
While walking in the busy street ; 

But his sordid soul was all intent 
On buy and sell, his mind was bent. 

If from my brother's purse I take, 
Through busy trade my money make, 

What matters it if he must lose ? 
He need not trade unless he choose. 

A lady, dressed in silk attire, 

Her humble sister's work doth hire ; 

The labor done, she could not pay. 
But bids her come another day. 

An humble home doth lack for bread. 

The days and nights are filled with dread ; 

Had she been paid in time of need. 
For charity they might not plead. 

And so our busy life goes on. 

We meet the sunshine and the storm. 
Each for himself I O selfish man ! 

If each would do the good he can, 

And thus relieve the needy one, 

Then happier thoughts would to us come, 
Sweet peace into our souls would flow. 

And heaven begin for us below. 



80 POEMS. 



GRANITE HILLS. 



Ye rugged rocks, ye granite hills ! 

Across whose rough and furrowed face 

The little rills still trickle down 

Like silver tears, throughout the days, 

The months, and years. 

Then quiet flow through meadows sweet, 

Where flow'rets spring, where wild birds 

sing, 
Where beauty reigns complete, — 
Your hoary heads uplifted high 
In bold relief against the sky 
Fear not the hand of time. 
Though winter doth with snowy shroud 
Enfold your form, you silent stand 
And wait the morn, 
When summer with her clinging vine 
And verdure green shall at your feet 
Her freshness twine. 
Ye rugged rocks, ye granite hills ! 
When on your stern, gray face I gaze, 
My heart with rapture thrills. 
To God ascends, in rev'rence bends 
Before His majesty sublime. 



FOEMS. 81 



THE WHISTLING BUOY. 

Rocked in the cradle of the deep, 
The whistling buoy is lulled to sleep ; 
And high above old ocean's roar 
Is heard its loud, melodious snore. 



It warns the mariners away 
From treacherous rocks in Sandy Bay ; 
And tells them of the dangerous reef 
Which brings our noble ships to grief. 



It warns them from our rock-bound shore, 
Beyond the breakers' sullen roar ; 
And the pilot, standing at the wheel, 
At its voice a thrill of joy doth feel. 

As the vessel slowly wears around, 
He lists to catch the welcome sound. 
'Tis thus we know the whistling buoy, 
Though a landman's pest, is a sailor's joy. 



82 POEMS. 



PRECIOUS JEWELS. 

What do you think I saw one day, 
While resting on my couch I lay ? 
Why, I saw two of the bonniest girls ; 
And the little one had soft brown curls, 
While the eldest, from her eyes so blue 
Looked (through her glasses) sweet and 

true! 
From kisses my lips could not refrain, 
And the youngest to my heart I strain ; 
While the other doth my bliss complete, 
With kisses from lips both rosy and sweet. 
Their cheeks were round and rosy too, 
Those bonny girls, so brave and true. 
And I knew the jewels of that mother's 

crown 
Were fit for the Prince's diadem. 
And there were two that I could not see, 
But their pictured faces looked bright to 

me ; 
And I felt that the mother had a right to be 

proud 
Of the four bright nestlings of her little home 

brood. 



POEMS. 83 



NELLIE. 



Dear little Nellie is writing home, 
Bidding her friends for her to come. 
Our homes are divided by land and sea, 
But I hope little Nell will remember me. 

For sickness will make for us friends, you 

know. 
And kindly feelings through the heart will 

flow; 
Together we've passed many pleasant hours, 
Marked by memory's everlasting flowers. 

For surely you know that the heart will 

bloom 
Into ne'er-fading fragrance, that beyond the 

tomb 
Will brighten the life, and cheer up the 

heart 
Of those left behind, when a friend doth 

depart. 

Then Nellie, dear Nellie, remember me ever, 
When over for me shall be life's fitful fever ; 
For in the bright home where all shall go 
We will meet face to face, each other to 
know. 



84 POEMS. 



GRANDPA'S PRIDE. 

Meery little prattler! grandpa's darling 

pride ! 
Sitting in his little team, taking, oh such 

rides ! 
Going up to Boston to get his Auntie Nell, 
Stopping on the way in Lynn to take the rest 

as well. 

Roguish little darling ! with his shining eyes 
Sparkling like twin stars in the far blue 

skies ; 
Little feet that patter on the kitchen floor, 
Little voice ringing in at the kitchen door. 

He's the darling, pride, and pet of the old 

home farm ; 
May his Heavenly Father keep him from all 

harm ; 
Happy little Georgie ! innocent and free. 
One of Jesus' little lambs may you ever be. 



POEMS. 85 



A SUMMER DAY'S IDYL. 

The wooded hills were dusky green 

One pleasant summer day, 
When on a trim and natty boat 

We steamed from home away. 

The rugged rocks along the coast 

Stood out in bold relief. 
Alas ! the rock of Norman's Woe 

Could tell a tale of grief : 
How, many, many years ago, 

A noble ship went down 
With all her brave and manly crew, 

In sight of Gloucester town. 

And now, Rafe's Chasm comes in view, 

Crowned with an iron cross ; 
It tells us of a lady's death ; 

O sad and cruel loss ! 
She dreamed not of the danger nigh. 

As she watched the curling wave : 
It clasped her in its close embrace, 

No human power could save. 

We leave those rocks of death behind, 

And soon Magnolia reach. 
Its shores with summer houses lined, 

Its pleasant Crescent Beach ! 



86 POEMS. 

How cosy looks the little place, 

Nestling down by the sea ! 
'Tis here that city dwellers rest, 

When from the " Hub " they flee. 

What towers are these before us now ? 

'Tis Baker's Island lights ; 
They guide the mariner on his way. 

Thro' many darksome nights. 
Ah ! here we have the half-way rock. 

That stands out in the sea ; 
Its rough and weather-beaten face 

Seems like a friend to me. 

We pass the town of Marblehead, 

Famed for this story old : 
How they tarred and feathered, and carried 
on a cart, 

A rebel vain and bold ; 
Floyd Ireson by name ; he dared rejoice 

At the patriots' defeat : 
They seized and bore him through the town ; 

His punishment was complete. 

Still farther on we see Nahant, 

Another famous place, 
Where fashion's votaries may be seen 

In all their airy grace. 



POEMS. 87 

Where Nature's students love to sit 

Upon the rocky shore, 
To watch the whirling, dashing waves, 

And list to ocean's roar. 

In Boston Harbor may be found 

Deer Island, and the Forts. 
'Twould take my pen too long to tell 

Of all the famed resorts. 
If a day of pleasure you would hail. 

Although I am no boaster, 
I bid you all to take a sail 

In the steamer " City of Gloucester." 



HIGH STREET, NEWBURYPORT, 

AS SEEN FROM THE CORNER OF SUMMER 
STREET. 

Looking thro' the open vista, 'neath the 
grand old shading trees, 

Whose long arms waving to and fro, and 
rustling in the breeze. 

Seem beckoning on to fairyland, where sha- 
dows flee away. 

And glist'ning lights, with shining rays, turn 
darkness into day. 



88 POEMS. 

Where shadowy forms, in floating robes, are 

glancing here and there, 
And tiny teams, in distance seen, are moving 

everywhere. 
Now close beside my window-seat, my eyes 

rest on that place 
Where treasured friends are laid to sleep, 

and leave no other trace 
That age and childhood rest in peace, but 

just a lowly mound 
All covered o'er with rank, green grass, — 

but it is holy ground. 
For those who laughed in merry glee, and 

age's sober joys. 
Alike within that hallowed place heed not 

that which destroys 
Our peace of mind, our happy homes, and 

turns our hopes to fear. 
For they have done with earthly cares, they 

are no longer here ; 
With Him who gives His loved ones sleep, 

where naught can trouble more. 
They're safe within the heavenly fold, and 

closed the golden door. 
But in the midst of moss-grown stones, and 

tablets pure and white. 
There stands the House of God, which to the 
world gives light : 



POEMS. 89 

Within its walls the words of life are given 

unto men, 
And little children, 'neath its dome, their 

Sunday lessons ken, 
Learning the truth, the way, the life, that all 

must learn to seek 
Ere they can walk in perfect faith within 

that blest retreat 
Where the wicked cease from troubling and 

the weary are at rest. 
Ere they can say with earnest faith, " O 

God, Thou knowest best." 
Still farther on, adown the street, the Kelley 

schoolhouse stands, 
Where youthful learners must be taught 

about their own dear land ; 
Where week-day lessons must be learned, 

and children made to know 
And heed the texts before them set, if they 

would strive to grow 
In grace and knowledge, better far than gold 

or silver ore; 
And there, within those stern brick walls, 

they con them o'er and o'er, — 
Those lessons which shall be to them a mine 

of wealth indeed, 
If faithfully they now attend, and to their 

ways take heed. 



90 POEMS. 

Still further down I see the Mall, the Court- 
house old and gray, 
The little pond behind it hid, where golden 

fishes play ; 
While, up and down the old playground, the 

boys on flying steed 
(A wonder of this modern age) are trying 

now their speed ; 
And merry shouts now fill the air, and faces 

fair and bright 
Are turned toward them fiDed with fun, and 

sparkling with delight. 
While twinkling eyes and rosy lips do speed 

them on their way. 
Oh happy, happy childhood ! this is your 

brightest day. 
So all adown this grand old street the sha- 
dows come and go. 
And busy life, in every form, is moving to 

and fro ; 
While overhead the grand old trees, with 

branches interlaced. 
Add to the weird enchantment wherein my 

sketch is placed. 
The green leaves rustling in the breeze 

make music soft and sweet, — 
The fancy flits, my senses wake, the picture 

is complete. 



P0E3IS. 91 



RAPE'S CHASM. 

O MIGHTY chasm of the deep ! 
Whose inurmuriDg echoes never sleep, 
But ceaseless moan in monotone, 
Till roused by ocean's gloomy frown. 
Ah I then thy thunders break and roll 
Beneath the heavens' dark'ning scroll, 
And angry waves come dashing in 
With foaming crest, and 'mid the din 
Is heard the sea-gull's piercing scream. 
All Nature bows beneath the shock : 
The lofty tree-tops bend and rock ; 
And e'en the grass, each slender blade, 
Close to its mother-earth has laid. 
But lo ! a hush comes o'er the storm, 
The sun brings forth a rosy morn. 
And on each rough and ragged seam 
The drops of spray like diamonds gleam. 
And thro' thy cavern, dark and deep. 
Once more the echoes moan and weep. 



92 F0JS3IS. 



MIDNIGHT REVELS. 

Softly a pure white mantle, 
So soft, so pure, and light. 

Covered the earth's broad bosom, 
As on came the silent night. 

Swiftly the little flakelets, 

Came dancing and whirling down, 
Resting upon the tree-tops, 

And covering the branches brown. 

Falling in waving billows. 

That glisten and gleam in the dark. 
Changing the face of Dame Nature, 

Hiding each old landmark. 

Falling, still falling, so softly, 
So quiet, so pure, and white, 

Spreading a downy carpet. 
For the roguish elves of night. 

Out from each darksome corner 
Come the little folks in green. 

Forming a magic circle 

Around their brilliant queen. 



I 



POEMS. 93 

Never did eye of mortal 

Gaze on a more winsome sight, 

Than these wild, little eerie people. 
Glancing like sunbeams of light. 

Flirting with maidens so tiny, 

That the feet of mortal would crush. 

Who would vanish away in the darkness 
If e'en our rude garments should brush. 

Wilder and wilder their orgies, 

Swifter and swifter they flew, 
Madder and madder the revels 

Of this riotous little crew. 

Quickly the dream is ended : 

The little folks disappear 
As night lifts her sable curtain, — 

And a pale snowy morning is hersu 



THE EMPTY NEST. 

Ok the naked bough of a poplar tree 

There hangs an empty nest. 
Where once the birdlings chirped in glee. 

And cuddled down to rest. 



94 POEMS. 

It swings and sways in the chilly wind, 

On a cold autumnal day, 
When the leaves are falling from the trees. 

And the birds have flown away. 

There's many a home that is empty now, 

Like that curious little nest, 
Once filled with nestlings fair and sweet, — 

But some have gone to rest. 

And some have wandered far away 
From friends and kindred dear ; 

Their restless feet have gone astray. 
We miss their presence here. 

But pray that God will bring them home 

In His own appointed time. 
Will keep them safely while they roam. 

And stay their hands from crime. 

He careth for the sparrow's fall. 

More precious far are they ; 
And soon they must obey His call 

To dwell with Him alway. 



POEMS. 95 



THE LADY AND THE KNIGHT. 

" GooD-MOEROW, sir," the lady cried, 
As the knight came quickly to her side, 
And clasped her little hand so white. 
And smiled into her eyes so bright. 

" Good-morrow, dear," the knight replied ; 
" Pray, wilt thou be my honored bride ? 
And make with me a happy home. 
That I no more alone may roam ? " 

The lady hung her head, and said, 

" Not now, when summer flowers lie dead. 

Nor when cold winter's icy blast 

Shall freeze the earth and hold it fast." 

" But when ? " he cried impatiently. 
" Art longing from thy vows to flee ? 
My heart with jealousy is stirred. 
Is there no truth in lady's word? " 

With blush and smile she quickly turned : 
" A lady's way you have not learned ; 
Your bride I will be, very soon. 
Just in the leafy month of June, 



96 POEMS. 

*' When roses bloom, and violets blue ; 
Till then to you I will be true ; 
Then hand in hand with you I'll go, 
And naught but joy your heart shall know.' 



REVERIE ON NILES' BEACH. 

'TwAS on a stretch of shining beach 
I sat, and watched the rising tide 
Come rolling in with lapping sound, 
That fell like music on my ear. 
The distant boats soft rose and fell. 
Lulled sweetly on old Ocean's breast, 
And far at sea as eye could reach 
All quiet seemed and peacefulness. 
I sat and dreamed that on the shore 
Where angel forms, all robed in white. 
Were waiting for us patiently. 
That happy restfulness might be 
Like unto this ; no care, no fret. 
But just a quiet resting after toil ; 
Bright flowers blooming all around, 
And green grass waving soft and fair, 
And cool spring waters clear and sweet. 
Might be our portion in that calm retreat. 



POEMS. 



97 



I waked,, and lo, close at my feet 

The rippling waves came plashing in, 

And sent me farther up the sand. 

All changed the scene, and busy life 

Was scattered round me everywhere ; 

The dancing boats, with white sails set, 

(And laughing crews of merry boys, 

Hailing each other with gleeful shout,) 

Rode proudly by my rocky throne. 

The bathers, too, in suits unique, 

Were battling in the waters cool ; 

Some, floating gently on the waves 

With face upturned, seemed challenging 

Old Neptune, in his caverns deep, 

To do his worst, they had no fear ; 

Others were waging merry war, and shining 

drops 
Fell in soft showers on their heads ; 
While all about me, on the beach. 
Were childish forms, now here, now there, 
Throwing white pebbles far out from land 
As little hands could do, making the eddy- 
ing 
Circles round them larger and larger grow. 
Until at last 'twas gone, and naught re- 
mained 
To tell us where the missile fell. 
Or what calm power did tlie waters quell. 



98 POEMS. 

Thus shall it be through all our lives : 
We throw our pebbles out uj^on life's sea, 
And naught remains to tell what we have 

done ; 
But when at last our busy hands and tired 

feet 
Shall rest, and we shall sleep, to wake again 
On heaven's shore, and nevermore 
Shall carking cares and heavy woes 
Burden our hearts until we faint, 
Then shall we find that little deeds 
And little words of comfort given here 
Shall bring to us a rich reward. 
Although we know it not, and help us on- 
ward 
Through this weary vale of tears. 
And on the shining sand (our labors o'er) 
We'll sit and dream, and flowers sweet 
Shall bloom around, and green grass wave. 
And cool spring waters, flowing out 
From the Eternal Throne, shall quench our 

thirst. 
And unto all our God shall say, 
" Come dwell with Me, forever stay, 
And ye shall never fret nor pine. 
But ye shall lose all trace of time." 



POEMS. 99 



CHRISTMAS EVE. 

'Tis Christmas Eve ; the little ones 

Are early sent to bed ; 
The stockings in the chimney hang ; 

Sleep from all eyes has fled, — 
For Santa Claus is coming, 

With whip and top and ball. 
With kites, and lots of other things, — 

Presents enough for all. 

For one there is a jumping-jack, 

Another has a drum ; 
For little girls, a doll or sack. 

Ah ! Santa has some fun 
In bringing such a heavy load 

To please the girls and boys ; 
There's none so happy as he is 

When giving out the toys. 

Just think, ye merry little ones, 

How many yon can find 
Who never saw old Santa Claus ; 

To such as these be kind, 
And give to them from out your store, 

A little here or there. 
For those who give there shall be more. 

And life shall be more fair. 



100 POEMS. 

More precious tis to give than take, 

Moi'e precious in His sight. 
Then igive you for the Saviour's sake, 

Make some sad heart grow light ; 
And though the tears may dim the eye, 

The trembling lip shall say, 
" Blesj^ them, O Father ! from on high, 

Make pleasant their pathway." 

Oh ni£ty their hearts be full of joy. 

May sorrow come not near 
These thoughtful little children ! 

Oh, keep them. Father dear! 
Whene'er their feet shall falter, 

Whene'er they step aside. 
Oh, lead them gently back again ; 

Witjh Thee may they abide ! 

And ail ye older children. 

Seek out the needy one, 
And guve them from your bounteous store 

Befcre the day is done. 
Glory to God in the Highest ! 

From angel lips it fell, 
Peace on earth, good will to men ! 

Ring out, O Christmas bell ! " 



POEMS. 101 



TO MY FRIENDS G. AND J. 

Dearest friends, it is with pleasure 

Your invitation I receive ; 
That you have my heart's best wishes 

You may readily believe. 
And may Heaven's choicest blessings 

On your pathway ever fall, 
Till in age you sit together, 

And do tenderly recall 
All the many joys and sorrows 

That may fill your future years. 
And may beauteous rays of sunshine 

Scatter all your doubts and fears ; 
Never let the smallest cloudlet 

Cast its shadow on your way, 
Nor the shade of night be falling 

While it should be brightest day ; 
Each forgiving little trifles, 

Keeping far from bitter strife, 
Ever tender, kind, and loving 

In your daily life. 

Thus to you the days and moments 
Quick shall flee, till 3^ou shall come 

To the end of this life's journey. 

And shall reach your Heavenly Home. 



102 POEMS. 

Now, below this little prologue, 
You shall read my hopes for you. 

As together you shall travel 

All life's different changes through. 

To my friends, thus early starting 
On life's journey hand in hand. 

Shall I conjure up, to help them. 
Blessings from a fairy's wand. 

First, I wish them sweet contentment 
With whate'er to them is given ; 

Strength to send their daily incense 
Upward to the courts of Heaven. 

Strength to bear each other's burdens 

In the turmoil and the strife 
That assails them as they travel 

Through the busy walks of life. 

Love to guide them in each duty, 
Hope to cheer them on their way : 

Thus they both shall grow in beauty, 
Finding peace day after day. 

And if little children, coming. 
Fill their home with music sweet. 

Is there more that Heaven could give them 
To make their happiness complete ? 



POEMS. 103 

Thus I ask for them these blessings : 

Faith to cope with every ill, 
Hope their pathway to illumine, 

Love divine, to do God's Will. 



A WEDDING GIFT TO MR. AND 
MRS. ANDREW J. HALL. 

Just five and twenty years have fled 
Since this dear couple first were wed ; 
Since, through both fair and stormy weather, 
They've travelled down life's vale together. 

Though trouble they did never borrow, 
They've had their share of joy and sorrow ; 
Though children came, all could not stay ; 
But smiles have chased the tears away. 

God called them home to Him above ; 
He called them in His tender love. 
That these dear friends of ours might see 
That where the treasure is, the heart must 
be. 

I write not thus to make them sad, — 
They must be merry and be glad ; 
And in their home may they ever find 
Both happy hearts and tranquil mind. 



104 POEMS. 

For life was given not alone for sadness, 
All must have their share of joy and glad- 
ness ; 
And life must not be found a burden, 
Like the famous story of little Dame Durden. 

We wish them of joy the biggest share : 
And may their hearts be free from care 
As together they wend their way along 
Among the busy, jostling throng 

Of those who with their stir and bustle 
Make everything around them rustle, 
And sing to the tune of life's busy way, 
And move along merrily, day after day. 

They are both of them young, whate'er may 

be said. 
And five and twenty years' wedded life has 

fled; 
Then five and twenty more to these let us 

add. 
As the wish of their children, both maiden 

and lad. 

And the wishes of friends may here be 

given, 
A long life on earth and a bright home in 

heaven. 



POEMS. 105 

And now, my dear friends, let me bid you 

good-night, 
To be followed by a day both happy and 

bright. 



TO MY GRAND-AUNT. 

To my dear old friend so far away, 

I must send a greeting on her birthday. 

Through ninety-four years of weal and woe. 

Through summer heat and winter snow, 

With loving heart and patient will. 

Bidding rebellious thoughts be still, 

Walking in faith, with hope to cheer. 

There's naught in this life for her to fear, — 

Waiting patiently here below 

For the summons which bids her go 

To meet her Heavenly Father, where 

Is built for her a mansion fair. 

There doth her loving Saviour wait 

To lead her in at Zion's gate. 

For they that do believe in Him 

A home by His side are sure to win. 

Though sickness and grief are sometimes ours, 

The way is often strewn with flowers. 

And heaven is found within the heart 

Of all who choose the better part. 



106 POEMS. 

Though you and I may never meet, 
Yet this thought to me is very sweet, — 
In the future life we are sure to greet, 
Where sickness and sorrow are never known, 
Before our Father's pure white throne. 
Many kind wishes to you I send ; 
And when in prayer before Him you bend, 
Oh, ask for me a blessing sweet. 
That, ere my life shall be complete, 
I may learn to say, whate'er may come, 
" O God ! Thy will, not mine, be done." 
And now, dear friend, may kind fortune 

strew 
Comforts and blessings in the path which 

you 
Day after day may wander through, 
To keep you happy, cheerful, and glad. 
Mother and sisters their love do send. 
And pray that sweet peace your pathway 

attend. 
And I to you say, " May the Father of love. 
When He calls you home to Him above. 
Send an angel of light, with pinions of down. 
To bear you up, where the immortal crown 
All shining and beautiful waits for thee — 
In that glorious home, in Eternity ! " 



POEMS. 



RETROSPECTION. 



10^ 



Turn backward five and twenty years, — 

A bride stands one March niglit, 
With radiant face ; she has no fears; 

Tiie future looks to her most briglit. 
Her bridegroom close beside her stands, 

With proud, protecting air ; 
His wealth is more than house and lands, — 

'Tis his bride, so sweet and fair. 
They care not though the storms shall beat 

About their little home ; 
They go through life with tireless feet, 

Although the trials come ; 
For little children gather round 

This bride and groom, I see. 
But perfect bliss can ne'er be found 

Where mortal children be. 
A little babe, so sweet and pure. 

To their loving care was given ; 
But soon their hearts must pain endure, — 

God called him home to heaven. 
Again a fair babe came and went ; 

It left an empty home ; 
It w*is not given, 'twas only lent, 
Till God should bid it come 



41 



108 POEMS. 



To dwell with Him, in perfect love, 

To grace His diadem. 
Two jewels bright they shine above, 

With Christ of Bethlehem. 
And still unto this happy pair 

Came children, dear and sweet, — 
Four children, rosy, bright, and fair ; 

Now seemed their happiness complete. 
But once again the Reaper came, 

And took from them a babe ; 
Again their hearts were filled with pain 

As in the little grave 'twas laid. 
Three children still their hearts do bless, — 

Two daughters and a sou, — A 

Who, with their love and tenderness. 

Keep sunshine in their home. 
Through five and twenty years of joys. 

Of cares and sorrows too. 
This bride and groom have travelled on, 

And now to-night the past review. 
So one and all we give to them 

Our wishes for their health. 
Their happiness, prosperity, 

And, best of all, their wealth, — 
Not gold and silver do we mean, 

For children dear, and happy home. 
Are greater far than these, I ween ; 

Such wealth to them has come. 



POEMS. 109 

And may their future years be filled 
With comfort, peace, and love, 

Till every earthly wish be stilled, 
And they meet their friends above. 



GOD REIGNS. 

U. S. G. 

God reigns ! the hero's words 

Ring out triumphantly ; 
The nation's heart with fire is stirred. 

The echo sounds o'er land and sea. 

God reigns ! His power doth move 
Great hearts to deeds of love ; 

Our hero's work that power hath proved ; 
God reigns in heaven above. 

God reigns! oh, wondrous thought, — 
God reigns within each heart ! 

Oh, then, like him for whom we mourn, 
Let us choose the better part ! 

God reigns ! O glorious faith 

That lifts our hearts on high. 
That leads us through life's darkest maze, 

And cheers us when we die ! 



110 POEMS. 



THE BABE OF BETHLEHEM. 

Long years ago, the story said, 

A Babe was in a manger laid, 

And wise men from the East did come 

To see the dainty little one ; 

And Bethlehem's star rose high and clear, 

While all the world this song did hear, — 

" Peace on earth, good will to men. 

For Christ, the Son of God, has come." 

They brought Him incense from afar. 
Sweet spices, frankincense, and myrrh : 
And proud men bent a lowly knee 
Before the Babe they came to see ; 
They blessed the future Lord of hosts 
Who came to save us at such cost. 
And through the world hosannas rung. 
For Christ, the Son of God, had come. 

Sweet Son of Mary, may we strive 
Like Thee a holy life to live ; 
To lift our hearts to God on high. 
And to the Fountain-head draw nigh ; 
When petty trial shall annoy. 
To find contentment, peace, and joy. 
To sing the song the angels sung. 
For Christ, the Son of God, has come ! 



POEMS. Ill 



ROCK OF AGES. 

On the Rock of Ages Christ's Church shall 
firmly stand, 

Scattering blessings broadcast o'er this Chris- 
tian land; 

Sending incense upward to the Father's 
throne, 

Ever gently leading weary wanderers home ; 

Bidding the heavy-laden seek the living God, 

And humbly bend the knee beneath the 
chast'ning rod. 

Come meekly to the cross, and lay the 
burden down. 

And on the aching head He'll place a shin- 
ing crown. 

Before His footstool bending, our many sins 

confessed. 
Our weary, heavy-laden hearts shall find 

eternal rest ; 
And in His holy presence, all purified and 

free, 
Our raptured eyes. His face all glorified shall 

see. 



112 



POEMS. 



On the Rock of Ages the Christian Church 

shall stand, 
And spread His holy teachings throughout 

this happy land ; 
And on our blessed Saviour our faith shall 

firmly be 
Fixed, as the Rock of Ages, through all 

eternity. 



JACK FROST. 

One day as I sat musing. 
And watching the afterglow, 

I saw Jack Frost, with his pencil. 
Making the fern leaves grow. 

Quickly over the window 
The point of the pencil flew. 

As under the artist's mystical touch 
The maiden-hair fern leaves grew. 



Never within the forest, 
Under the shading trees, 

Did my covetous eyes ever rest 
On such delicate ferns as these. 



POEMS. 113 

Ah, Jack ! with your snowy finger, 
And your breath so icy cold, 

Did ever more beautiful fancies 
Your shadowy arms infold? 

And I asked, as I sat gazing. 
And striving the future to see, 

" Will the finger of Fate ever weave 
Such beautiful things for me? " 

Ah, yes ! when the Father calls me 
The vesture of heaven to wear. 

The garments of white which He offers 
Will be more enchantingly fair. 

Washed in the blood of the Saviour, 
Made purer than glist'ning snow, — 

A treasure more precious than this 
Can the future on us bestow? 

And as we move on in our life-work, 

Guided by the hand divine. 
May we learn to say in submission, 

*' Not my will, O Lord, but thine." 



11-i POEMS. 



TO MY FRIEND. 

I PRAY that from life's tangled thread 
You may weave a pure and spotless web ; 
That in your youth you may strive to please 
The living God, — 'twill give you peace. 

For if in ways of sin you go, 
'TavIII give to you deep pangs of woe ; 
But faith will lead from darkest gloom, 
To where the fadeless flowers bloom. 

For if to Him you freely come, 
Receive the precious words, " Well done," 
Your heart will evermore rejoice 
That Jesus was your early choice. 



WEDDING BELLS. 

I HEARD a sound at yester-eve, — 
The sound of wedding bells ; 
Twenty, it said with joyous sound. 
Twenty glad years have rolled around 
Since on your ears my music fell. 
Both joys and sorrows have you known 
As through these years, so quickly flown. 
The golden band has bound your hearts to- 
gether ; 



POEMS. 115 

And childish faces, fair and sweet, 
Come one by one your eyes to greet, 
The silence of your home to sever. 
And may this bell, so sweetly ringing, 
Twenty more years to you be bringing. 
All fragrant with the gifts of love 
Sent down to you from heaven above. 
And make your lives worth living. 
And though I ne'er may see your faces. 
In the web of fate are found the traces 
That link my life to thine ; 
And in the future life to come. 
Before our lives on earth are done. 
And lost the count of time, 
The wishes that I send to thee 
Are these : may love triumphant ever be 
Your portion here on earth ; 
May sorrow e'er be far away ; 
And may sweet plenty crown your day, 
And sounds of joyous mirth 
Be heard within your home. 
But if the tangled thread of life 
With grief or sorrow e'er be rife. 
May faith and hope to you be given 
To lead you onward into heaven 
Where troubles never come ; 
Where the eye of faith the way can see ! 
These are the wishes I send thee. 



116 POEMS. 



THE WHISTLING BUOY. 11. 

I WALKED upon the glist'ning sand, 
And viewed the distant, misty land, 

But one thing marred my joy : 
I listened in vain for the sound of the voice 
That makes the fisherman's heart rejoice, — 

The voice of the whistling buoy. 



Oh ! where can that little monitor be, 
Whose voice rose high o'er the moan of the 
sea 

When storm-winds came to destroy? 
We wait in fear when the fog comes down. 
And listen in vain for the welcome sound, — 

The sound of the whistling buoy. 

I wonder if the heart of the landsman quakes 
When the billows foam, and the tempest 
makes 

Of the fisherman's bark a toy; 
Do they ever think of the sad hearts here 
That await the return of their sailors dear. 

Whose guide is the whistling buoy? 

When snugly ensconced in their shady re- 
treat, 
And wooing the drowsy god of sleep. 
Or the muse of poesy coy. 



POEMS. 117 

Do thej^ ever think of the fishers' wives 
Who daily pray for their dear ones' lives, 
And bless the old whistling buoy ? 

To all who live near to Sandy Bay, 

And know of the treacherous rocky way. 

Its music does never annoy ; 
They know that the mariner's heart grows 

light, 
His song grows clearer, his eyes more bright, 

As he harks to the whistling buoy. 

Then come back once more to your native 

sea. 
And send out your voice in hearty glee. 

And cheer up the sailor boy ; 
And the fishers' wives will all rejoice, 
And their little children bless the voice 

Of the dear old whistling buoy. 



Sometimes, when bowed with sorrow and 

grief, 
A tender, loving word will bring relief. 
Happy is he who can comfort the sad. 
Can dry sorrow's tear, and make the heart 

glad. 



118 POEMS. 

THE RUINS. 

DEDICATED TO E. M. B. 

Over the ocean my lady went, 

In search of change and pleasure. 
Her time and her money she freely spent 

Among the Old World's treasure. 
'Mid ruins of castle and battlement, 

Grown gray with each passing year, 
Each day a new charm to her journey lent. 

And she'd never a thought of fear. 
Anon, as she stood by the moss-grown stone, 

Her thought on the dead past bent, 
It seemed not that she stood alone. 

For shadowy creatures came and went. 
Fair ladies without a word passed by, 

And bold knights on mischief intent ; 
The presence of mortal they seemed to defy, 

As their hair with pale hands they rent. 

Ah, dreamer among the ruins so gray ! 

The past, with its secrets and sin. 
Shall never reveal to the light of day 

The horrors that dwelt therein, — 
The broken hearts and the wasted lives 

Of the ladies so pale and so fair. 
Or the jealous rage and the cruel strife, 

That drove the young knights to despair ! 



% 



POEMS. 119 

With a start and a sigh she came back again 

From the shadows that fell around 
The ancient ruins where the dead past slept, 

And made it seem hallowed ground. 
So over the waters my lady went, 

Seeking for change and pleasure ; 
And her time she counted happily spent, 

Among the Old World's treasure. 



AN AUTUMN BOUQUET. 

My friends, I come to you to bring 
A 2)leasant autumn offering ; 
'Tis nothing more or less, you say, 
Than a big, brilliant-hued bouquet ! 
Well, so it is ; and first I bring 
The holly red, and wintergreen ; 
Then yellow, red, and russet brown 
From the maple's waving crown ; 
Now asters wild, with purple hue, 
And golden-rod, I bring to you. 
A little bit of mountain pine 
Will, put in here, look very fine ; 
And just below a friend you'll greet, 
A lovely spray of bittersweet ; 



120 POEMS. 

For though our lives look bright and fair, 

The bittersweet is always there. 

From who's been abroad, I guess, 

I beg some bits of edelweiss, 

Whose velvet flowers are found, you know. 

On highest Alj^s, 'neath ice and snow ; 

And in the field, both long and narrow, 

I found these pretty heads of yarrow. 

And everlasting flowers, that grow 

All through the winter's cold and snow. 

But this bouquet, without the white. 

Would be too showy and too bright ; 

And so I searched the hills all over, 

But could not find the sweet white clover. 

But with the Fates I will not quarrel ; 

They brought me where the mountain laurel 

With waxen flowers and glossy leaf 

Grew in profusion ; and with relief 

I plucked the rarest I could find, 

And blessed the Fates for being kind. 

And searching through the shady wood, 

Upon the ground near where I stood 

The blue-fringed gentian held its head 

In beauty from its lowly bed ; 

And gathering them, I placed them where 

All eyes could see their beauties rare. 

Again, we need a dash of green ; 

And the fragile ferns, well shaded in, 



POEMS. 121 

Will beautify these simple flowers 
Which I have culled from Flora's bowers. 
And this, my autumn oftering, 
To one and all I humbly bring. 



LAND OF NOD. 

Come, baby dear, and go with me 

To the beautiful Land of Nod ! 
There, put your little hands in mine, 

And hush that quivering sob. 
Come, close your shining eyes of blue ; 

The way leads gently down 
Through the beautiful valley of rest and 
sleep. 

To a dear little baby-town. 

There's naught to disturb the happy hours. 
There's naught but pretty birds and flowers, 
And feathery sprays of golden-rod, 
Down in the beautiful Land of Nod. 
There angels bright shall guard thy bed. 
And, floating softly round thy head. 
Shall keep thee safely for thy God, 
Down in the beautiful Land of Nod. 



122 POEMS. 



THE TEMPERANCE ARMOR. 

Gird on your temperance armor, 
And battle for the right ; 

Whatever foe besets thee, 
Stand firmly to the right, 

Nor let your courage falter ; 

The foe in battle meet, 
Nor rest you from your labor 

Till victory is complete. 

There's many a sad one asks you 

To lend a helping hand, 
Until, the demon conquered. 

Their feet can firmly stand ; 

Until, their weakness fleeing. 
Their hearts can gladly say, 

" Get thee behind me, Satan ! 
Temp'rance has won the day." 

There are many little children 
Who call on you for aid. 

Whose starving souls and bodies 
For their fathers' sins have paid. 



POEMS. 123 

They call on you to help them, 

To guide their little feet 
From the mire of intemperance, 

Into cleanly ways, and sweet. 

There are many wives and mothers 

Who call on you to come 
And save their sons and husbands 

From the influence of rum ; 

To give them words of comfort, 

And other comforts too. 
Denied them by the Tempter, 

Who ever searches through 

This land of peace and plenty. 

To gather victims in 
From the paths of honest duty. 

Into the ways of sin ; 

To wreck the homes of plenty ; 

To drag our loved ones down 
Into the depths of sorrow ; 

To tear from them the crown 

Of manhood God has given 

To all the sons of earth ; 
To take from them their birthright. 

And make their lives a dearth. 



124 POEMS. 

Then gird you on your armor, 
Nor let your courage fail 

Until the foe is conquered, 
Until their sun shall pale. 

And God, who sees your efforts, 
Shall crown you with success. 

And the victims of intemp'rance 
Your name shall ever bless. 



REMINISCENCES OF FRATERNITY 
LODGE. 

Written for the 22nd Anniversary, May 22nd, 

1884. 

For two and twenty years this lodge has 

stood, 
Consecrated to the public good ; 
Though many storms have o'er us swept. 
Our principles are bravely kept. 
Both young and old are strong and true. 
And strive to carry temperance through ; 
More than twelve hundred to our ranks have 

come. 
And many have hard battles won. 
Some have fallen by the way, 
And some have faded day by day. 



POEMS. 125 

Until their work on earth was o'er ; 

They have entered heaven's door. 

Some have tired and left our side, 

And some are scattered far and wide ; 

Others are walking firmly on, 

Waiting to hear their Lord's " Well done ! " 

Our courage has been often tried. 

But Faith, Hope, Charity with us abide ; 

Faith leads us onward, Hope doth cheer. 

And Charity shall wipe away oppression's tear. 

With cheerful heart we patient wait 

To see the ills of rum abate, 

Doing the little that we can 

To help our fallen brother man ; 

Cheerily singing our temperance song. 

Striving to make each other strong ; 

Holding the hand of those who are weak. 

Guiding the faltering, tottering feet. 

And thus we ourselves a lesson shall learn, 

And in our own weakness to God we shall 

turn, 
Asking for help in the thorny way 
That we all must tread, e'er shall come the day 
That shall find us there before His throne, 
That glorious place, our eternal home. 
There were many here who were tried and 

true. 
Who left us to work in places new : 



126 POEMS. 

There is Brother Eddy, to us so dear, — 
How gladly would we have kept him here ! 
There was Sister Lane, too, who has left us 

alone, 
To make for herself a happy new home ; 
And you may know, if you're very astute. 
That her name is now Amanda Lane Root. 
There's another charter member, in the ser- 
vice grown old, 
And we value her more than untold gold ; 
She is not here to-night, but you can plainly 

see 
That her name is Sister Sarah D. B. 
There is Brother Parsons, too, with heart 

and hand willing ; 
A place on our committees he is always 

filling. 
There are many more, too, whom we know 

quite as well. 
But their names it would take me too long 

to tell. 
But, years agone, there came a brother here, 
Who to me was ever a brother most dear ; 
His hands are folded, his work is done ; 
It is many years since he heard the " Well 

done/' 
And the Grand Templar greeted him in the 

heavenly home. 



POEMS. 127 

There was another, too, quite as dear to you 

all, 
Who answered with him his Father's call, 
And in that glorious temple above 
They are waiting for us, where all is love. 
And to the friends gathered with us to-night 
God promises a future as happy and bright ; 
For when life's storms and ills are o'er. 
They too shall enter heaven's door. 
And now to my comrades in the temp'rance 

fight, 
A word of cheer for you this night : 
Just in proportion to the work you do, 
God will give you strength to carry you 

through ; 
So fight gallantly on, and never give up 
Until we abolish the fatal cup. 
The weak and the weary, the travel-worn, 
Must be led from the glittering temptation 

to turn. 
Until at last, with thankful heart. 
They have learned to choose the better part. 
But we ne'er can do this until we give 
A part of our lives to help them live. 
With prayer and with song, and words of 

good cheer, 
We will welcome them all as they gather 

here; 



128 POEMS. 

Recitations, tableaus, and dialogues too, 
Shall help us in the work we are chosen 

to do, 
Until, our prayers answered, we shall see 

them come. 
And shall know that the temp'rance battle 

is won. 



THE BUILDING OF THE TEMPER- 
ANCE FLEET ON OLD CAFE ANN. 

Long years ago a sturdy crew 

Desired to make a journey through 

This world of strife and sorrow ; 

They wisely agreed to build a boat 

That on the sea of life would float. 

So said, " We'll begin to-morrow." 

They built a neat, well-seasoned vessel. 

That with the waves of sin could wrestle. 

With snag and sunken ledge ; 

And then they quickly did agree 

That the name of this fine boat should be 

The Washingtonian Pledge. 

As time passed on, the boat seemed small ; 

And so to please them, one and all, 

And keep the fleet still growing, 

They studied out another plan 



POEMS. 129 

That in some wise heads long had ran 

(For some folks are most knowing). 

They wandered up, they wandered down ; 

They gathered material from the town 

From early morn till night ; 

And then, although ill manners laughed, 

They built another sturdy craft, 

And called it Rechabite. 

Thus starting out with hopes so bright. 

With cheerful face, and heart so light. 

While sailing o'er the waters, 

There came in view, all trim and new, 

The Pinkey Temperance Daughters. 

And now, upon the silvery sea, 

The fleet already numbers three 

Who fight for abstinence, — 

When lo ! while loud the cannons roar. 

They gather strength with number four, 

The Sons of Temperance I 

Three jaunty boats to swell the fleet, — 

Magnolia, Esperanza, Wingaersheik ! 

But now a ship, both stanch and strong. 

With sails all set, comes proudly on. 

My friends, 'tis very plain to see. 

Her standard is equality ; 

For on her deck, so heavily laden. 

Stand comely matron and fair maiden. 

With heart and hand thus linked together, 



130 POEMS. 

They fear not wind or~stormy weather ; 

On the ship Good Templar's planks they 

stand, 
A strong, determined, courageous band. 
Look ! in the distance there's another, 
Whose crew ever call each other brother ; 
And this I'm sure is no misnomer, 
For the name on the prow is the Temple of 

Honor. 
Now little boats are coming out, 
And rowing round them all about. 
The Bands of Hope and Juvenile Temples 
Are setting us some good examples ; 
For earnest, ardent, full of life. 
They enter bravely in the strife 
Against the growth of sin and wrong. 
God grant that they may grow more strong 
As years roll by, and age comes on. 
'Tis true that some of our proud ships 
Have made some hopeless, barren trips ; 
That storms have swept over their decks, 
And made for us some useless wrecks. 
Those that are left can hold communion 
With the Christian Temperance Unions. 
As brave little crafts as ever sailed. 
Whose crews' stout hearts have never failed. 
But, looking onward to the right. 
Stand firmly in the temperance fight. 



POEMS. 131 

And then, to make up for our loss, 

Comes on the brilliant Golden Cross ; 

And round its banners ever stand 

Of brothers and sisters a noble band. 

Insure your lives while yet you may ; 

Wait not for to-morrow, come to-day ! 

And now, my friends, why should we fear 

With all these stanch boats waiting near ? 

We'll grapple with the foe, and fight 

From night till morn, from morn till night ; 

For we're numbered by thousands of women 
and men, 

With courage to beard the foe in his den ; 

To stand by our emblems untarnished and 
bright. 

To stand up undaunted in the cause for the 
right ; 

For in the great battle the fleet we've out- 
ran. 

And the ship Good Templar ever leads the 
van. 



132 POEMS. 



TEMPERANCE BELLS. 

The temperance bells are ringing. 

Do ye not hear their chime ? 
They are telling us of sickness, 

Of sorrow, and of crime. 

They are calling us to labor, 

To labor hard and true, 
To slay the demon License, 

And carry temperance through ; 

To put the curse of free rum 

Beneath our eager feet. 
And raise the sons of sorrow 

Into a rest complete, 

Where the chains of degradation 

Can fetter them no more ; 
Where they can stand up firmly 

On Temperance' clean-swept floor ; 

Where the wail of suffering thousands 

Can never more be heard, 
And the love of all things wholesome 

Within their hearts be stirred ; 



P0E3IS. 133 

Where the hope of God and heaven 

May be to them a light 
To lead them onward, upward, 

Into the paths of right. 

To free our bright and noble land 
From the curse of rum and wrong, 

We ask our God to help us, 
Nor let the time be long. 

Then never let us falter. 

Nor linger by the way. 
But raise the sons of mourning 

Into a brighter day. 

The temperance bells are ringing ; 

Then listen to their chime, 
And work you with strong ardor 

To stay the march of crime. 

The time is surely coming 
(For God doth see our need) 

When He shall crown us victors. 
And all be free indeed. 



134 POEMS. 



THE TEMPLARS' WELCOME. 

Friends of temperance, welcome here ; 
These are the words we often hear 
When to these rooms we enter in ; 
Here we our temperance work begin. 

We gather the young into our arms, 
We fill for them these rooms with charms ; 
We gather them in from out of the street, 
With pleasant words their coming greet. 

We keep them out of the haunts of sin, 
And help them in the world a place to win ; 
Throw around them the charm of temp'rance 

love. 
That wins the " Well done " from Heaven 

above. 

To those who have fallen into the slum. 

We will take their hand and say to them 

" Come ! 
We have listened with tears to your pitiful 

cry; 
Come, lift yourselves up ; we will help you ; 

try. 



POEMS. 135 

" Try hard ; 3^ou can conquer the terrible foe 
If to the right source in sorrow you go. 
No one ever asked of Him help in vain ; 
He will wash from your souls the crimson 
stain." 

And we, who the curse have never known, 
Must comfort give to the sorrowing one ; 
Must keep them from starving, must help 

them to live ; 
From out our abundance to them we must 

give. 

The brothers alone can never stand ; 
The sisters must lend a helping hand 
To gather the young, and gather the old. 
Into the warmth, from out of the cold. 

And in these bright rooms we will to them 

impart 
Such lessons as they may take to their heart. 
Both lessons of temp'rance, and lessons of love 
For the Father, who looketh on us from 

above. 

Then, my friends, take courage, and your 

work is done, 
Even though in truth it is only begun ; 



136 POEMS. 

For when, with His help, we find the right 

way, 
We can move gladly on, and be merry and 

gay. 

For pleasure and work must go hand in hand 
If we wish to conquer the foe of our land ; 
For the places of vice with allurements they 

fill, 
To deaden the senses and fetter the will. 

So make these rooms cheerful with work and 

with pleasure, 
And may we all learn their bright precepts 

to treasure ; 
For thus we will fight and will conquer the 

foe, 
And on those we love a blessing bestow. 

Friends of temperance, welcome here ! 
A cordial welcome to our good cheer ! 
May God's best blessings upon you fall. 
Brothers and sisters, on friends, and on all ! 



POEMS. 



137 



THE TEMPERANCE FIGHT. 

The temp'rance fight will be weary and long, 
For the foe of our land has grown very 

strong; 
The Tempter stalks forth by night and by 

day 
To lead both the young and the old astray. 
Then let us rise up and be doing our work, 
For our duty we Templars must never shirk ; 
And then perhaps, too, if we just stop and 

think. 
Some of our dear ones may stand on the 

brink. 
'Tis a terrible thing, for the Tempter is sly. 
And the weak ones of earth he will never 

pass by ; 
In the bright garb of pleasure he will hide 

the dark thing ; 
He will lead them to ruin ; oh, how bitter the 

sting 
Of their conscience, when they have found 

out 
What the foul fiend of darkness has been 

about, — 
How he led their steps downward, against 

their weak will, 



138 POEMS. 

And tlieir souls with deep sorrow the sad 

thought will fill. 
Then give unto them a strong helping hand, 
And help them become bright lights in our 

land. 
Oh, may the dark Tempter be left far behind ! 
And I pray you to all of the tempted be 

kind; 
And God, from His beautiful home on high, 
Will unto us all in His great love draw nigh. 



ODE TO OUR HALL. 

As I stand to-night in this hall so bright. 

Surrounded by the friends of old, 
I feel well assured that contentment is 
wealth, 

And a pure heart better than gold. 
When we come here we have naught to fear, 

We may do as we please every time ; 
And year after year this Hall will grow dear, 

As round it our affections shall twine. 
Although our chairs cannot be called pairs, 

Nor our stands and our carpet agree, 
If quite hard we try, perhaps by and by 

Less difference between them we'll see. 



T0EM8. 139 

I doubt very much, as kind feelings we 
touch, 

If chairs, stands, or carpets we see ; 
We would not part with a loving heart, 

No matter what our surroundings may be ; 
For the Templar saith. In each other have 
Faith, 

And Hope for the best at all times ; 
And Charity sweet makes the chain complete. 

And this is the end of my rhymes. 



TEMPERANCE POEM. 

My friends, I stand before you 
To ask a question plain, — 

Has the year that's passed so quickly 
Been a year of loss, or gain ? 

Have you lost fraternal feeling 

For a sister or a brother ? 
Have you lost the art of healing 

The sorrows of another ? 

Have you lost those precious jcAvels 
Which we call the virtues three, 

Which in our hearts we cherish, — 
The gems of Faith, Hope, Charity ? 



140 POEMS. 

Have you no Faith in friendship 
Which binds our hearts together, 

And makes our lives so sunny, 
No matter what the weather? 

Have you no Hope for future good, 
No hope that times will brighten ? 

If each should do the best he could. 
Some burden you might lighten. 

Have you lost Charity, that greatest gift, 

God-given to us all. 
The charity that bids us help 

All creatures great or small ? 

Again I ask the question. 

And I make it very plain, — 
Has the year that's passed so quickly 

Been a year of loss, or gain ? 

Have you not gained one little thought 

To help you on your way. 
E'en though the path be strewn with thorns 

What have you, friends, to say ? 

I think I hear you saying 

That the year has not been lost. 

Although you've been discouraged. 
And sometimes tempest-tost ; 



POEMS. 141 

You have not lost the feeling 

Of fraternal brotherhood, 
Nor e'en the art of healing, 

And doing others good ; 

That our jewels have been cherished 

Within your inmost heart ; 
That none of them have perished. 

Then choose the better part, 

And keep your Faith in all men. 

When possible so to do. 
And then you'll find that others' faith 

Will stronger grow for you. 

And Hope, sweet Hope, her light shall shine 

Across your lonely way. 
And warm within your heart shall glow 

Her sweet and cheering ray. 

And Charity, that gentle one 

Who leads our hearts above. 
And makes us all the happier 

For cherishing her love. 

Will cover over many a sin. 

And many a heart shall soften, 
So that at last we all may win 

The right to heaven ; and may we often 



142 POEMS. 

Pause, while on through life we hasten, 
To think of others and to try 

Some other hearts to lighten ; 
And with each other we shall vie 

To make some heavy heart grow light, 
And hope shine forth anew, 

That others' paths may be more bright. 
This work we have to do. 

Again I ask you. Has this year 
Been a year of loss, or gain ; 

If we've tried to banish some one's fear, 
Or soothe a bed of pain ? 

God grant that, as the years roll on. 
We all shall choose the right ; 

And all look down with sweet content 
From heaven's eternal height ! 



THE REQUEST. 

You ask me, friends, to speak to you ; 

What shall I find to say ? 
There's work our hands can find to do 

For some one every day ; 



POEMS. 143 

Some drunkard's home to brighten, 

Some little ones to feed, 
Some pale-faced, sorrowing mother. 

Who wants a friend in need ! 

But if we nothing else can give. 

We all can give a word 
Of comfort or encouragement. 

Our voices can be heard 
Within the homes of sorrow, 

Where cheerful, loving smiles 
Can work a world of wonder, 

Can a mourning heart beguile ; 

Can lend a helping hand 

To lift a brother up 
When he has weakly fallen 

Before the Tempter's cup ; 
Can throw around his pathway 

A chain of hope and love, 
To help him in the struggle ; 

Ask help for him above. 

This is the Templar's power, — 

A glass of water cold ; 
It gives us health and strength, 

It naakes us free and bold ; 



144 POEMS. 

It keeps our brain unclouded, 

Our energies alive ; 
It fills our pockets and our hearts. 

Then strive, ye Templars, strive 

To gather in the converts, 

To strike a deadly blow 
At the root of this great evil. 

To let the people know 
That we are now in earnest. 

That we mean to work and win, 
To wage a deadly warfare, 

And check the course of sin. 



MOTTO. 



With Temperance on our banner. 

With the shield of Faith in hand, 
With Hope to cheer us on our way. 

And with Charity's golden wand, 
We'll start forth on our journey 

As workers in the Lord. 
Thus clothed in His strong armor. 

We'll take His holy Word 
To guide us onward, upward, 

To the city of our God. 



POEMS. 145 



A PLEDGE. 



Brothers and sisters of Agamenticus, 

We have come to visit you without any fuss ; 

We have come to pledge you and have a 

good time, — 
To pledge you in water, not in wine. 

Agamenticus friends, here is long life to you ! 
There is work in plenty for us all to do ; 
With brain unclouded, untrammelled, and 

free, 
A power in the land you are destined to be. 

Then raise high the cup with its cold water 

draught. 
Free from temptation and demon's craft ; 
We will drink our fill and be merry and glad. 
For a glass of cold water ne'er made the 

heart sad. 

'Tis the rumseller, then, with his sparkling 

wine. 
We must earnestly fight and conquer in time. 
Overturn his casks, and break all the glasses 
That tempt and betray the weak of all 

classes. 



146 POEMS. 

We will fight them openly and hang out our 

sign, 
Precept upon precept, and line upon line ; 
By our good example, and by our pure life, 
We'll encourage each other in the bitter 

strife. 

Then here's to Good Templars all through 

the land ! 
We will pray heart to heart, and walk hand 

in hand. 
May God bless us, and help us to conquer the 

foe 
And raise up the fallen wherever we go. 



STRIKE HARD. 

Strike hard, while the iron is hot ; 
Strike hard, and falter not ; 
Bruise the serpent and crush the foe 
With an iron heel, wherever you go ! 

Starvation and want follow quick in its train ; 
Evil companions a pure soul will stain. 
Then step to the front with an iron will. 
And your glasses with purest cold water fill. 



POEMS. 



147 



O, drink to the health of the young and the 

fair ! 
Bid them take the pledge and our armor 

wear. 
So, banded together, you may strike without 

fear. 
And keep the Tempter from entering here. 

We know that our Heavenly Father hath 

said 
That where the footsteps of a few might be 

led, 
In His name to gather, He too will be there, 
And answer in time the earnest prayer. 

So, brothers and sisters, let us work with a 

will, 
The lessons of temperance in all hearts to 

instil ; 
And so by example speed on the good cause 
That will strengthen and purify moral laws. 

For it is by the law that we all must abide. 
And trust to God's love our footsteps to 

guide ; 
For, trusting in Him, we ne'er can go wrong. 
And patient endurance will make us strong. 



148 POEMS. 

Then onward, my friends, I bid you God- 
speed ! 

He will comfort and cheer in the hour of 
need. 

Oh, turn unto Him when the storm clouds 
lower. 

He will carry us safe through temptation's 
dark hour. 

And at last, when the work of the Templar 

is done. 
And we pass away from the earth one by 

one. 
Hold fast by His hand, — He will lead you 

safe home. 
Where standeth forever the great white 

throne. 



FRANKLIN LODGE, RIVERDALE. 

Brave Franklin Lodge, in your infancy, 
Striving a power in the land to be. 
Looking straight forward for future good, 
Building a home of stone and wood. 

O, build you a home both strong and fair ; 
Build it with patience, with love, and with 
care; 



POEMS. 149 

Build it up firmly, with Christ for its head, 
Looking to Him for your daily bread. 

Build it so high on the Rock of Salvation 
That your power may be felt in every nation ; 
And though the wild tempest around it may 

break. 
Its solid foundation shall never shake. 

Taking Faith for your guide, looking forward 

with Hope, 
Grasping firm in your hand the temperance 

rope. 
Cast it far out in the liquid sea 
Of intemperance, when a struggling soul you 

may see. 

Pull it in gently, hand over hand ; 
Bring the poor victim safe unto land ; 
Clothe him and feed him, and help him to be 
Upright and honest, fit for Eternity. 

Have charity for all men, whate'er they may 

be, 
For into their hearts your eyes cannot see ; 
The spirit may be willing, though the flesh 

is weak. 
And a helping hand they may gladly seek. 



150 POEMS. 

'Tis thus you may help to right the wroug, 
And build for yourselves a monument 

strong ; 
Your name shall be spoken with words of 

praise 
By all whom your hand shall help to raise. 

May God bless you all ; may your future be 

bright ; 
May you conquer the wrong, and ever do 

right ; 
May your deeds on earth win proud renown, 
And may full success your efforts crown. 



MISS CADWALLADER, 1776. 

I'm an old-fashioned lady, as you may see. 
None of your new-fangled notions for me. 
With my straight black gown and my mob- 
cap too, 
I have come to town to visit you. 

With my kerchief so neat and my apron so 

clean, 
I'm as tidy a lady as ever was seen. 
With my black lace mitts to cover my hand, 
I assure you, my friends, I feel very grand. 



P0E3IS. ^^^ 



When I was young, and went to school, 
My lessons I learned, and obeyed each rule ; 
My teachers were kind ; and so, you see, ^ 
There was no occasion for disobedience in 
me. 

But I very soon learned that I must knit 
Both mittens and stockings, and make them 

fit. . ^ 

So this stocking you see I am knitting to- 
night 
Is roomy and large, and a clean tidy white. 

No stockings for me like barbers' poles, 
With striped legs, and feet full of holes. 
Or even the new fashion of one red leg, 
And the other as black as,- well, old Uncle 

Ned. 
For old Ned was black, whate'er you may 

say — 
As likely a nigger as you'd find in my day ; 
And in our good times the banjo he played, 
And our good times these modern out- 
weighed. 

For then we used to dance the minuet, 
A very grand and stately step ; 
But now they dance such whirligigs 
As Money Musk and Chorus Jig. 



152 POEMS. 

When I was young no gaslight was seen, 
But plain tallow candles, — their light was 

not mean. 
Before gas and electricity came to be used, 
We had candles and oil lamps ; now they're 

abused. 

'Twas "Yes, ma'am," and "No, ma'am," 

when I was young. 
And children then learned how to hold their 

tongue 
When their betters were speaking, and to go 

to bed 
When the hens went to roost, so my mother 



But alack a day ! those good times are gone, 
And children grow up as soon as they're 

born. 
'Tis lady and gent where 'twas master and 

miss; 
They forget the "ma'am," and 'tis "No," and 

"Yes." 

Years ago Uncle George cut the tree with his 

hatchet, 
But the youths of to-day in mischief can 

match it ; 



POEMS. 153 

They can smoke and chew, and swear a 

round oath, 
And other queer things of modern growth. 

About my age I cannot lie, — 

I'll be a hundred and nine next Fourth of 

July. 
Now don't you think I've shown you good 

will. 
To come and see you from Bunker Hill ? 

But really I cannot spend any more time 
A-knitting this stocking and spinning rhyme. 
So I bid you good-night, and may your 

dreams 
Be as full of good things as this stocking 

has seams. 

I think the Good Templars a very fine 

crowd ; 
Of my visit among you I feel quite proud. 
I invite you, dear madam, and you, my dear 

sir. 
To visit Miss Cadwallader whene'er you can 

find her. 



154 roEMS. 



THE TEMPERANCE BANNER. 

Tune — ^^ Morning Light is Breaking.'' 

Lift high your temperance banners, 

And fling them to the breeze. 
And look ye in what manner 

Each one shall strive to please. 
'Tis not by idle flattery, 

Or by the glass of wine. 
But pleasant, loving words and smiles 

That round the heart shall twine. 

Lift high your temperance banner, 

And fling it to the breeze ; 
Its waving folds shall gladden 

The eye of him who sees. 
And the Eye that's ever watchful 

Shall see our every deed, 
Shall tenderly watch o'er us. 

And prove a friend in need. 

Lift high your temperance banner, 
And fling it to the breeze ; 

Its work shall be accomplished 
On land and on the seas. 



POEMS. 155 

The friends of sin sliall tremble 
When they see it waving there ; 

It seems to say unto them, 
" Beware of sin, beware." 

Lift high your temperance banner. 

And fling it to the breeze. 
And faithfully stand by it 

If you would seek to please. 
To those who do stand by us 

We give our grateful thanks ; 
We ask them to come forward 

And join our temperance ranks. 



THE STAR OF PROHIBITION. 

The battle is pending — we scent it afar ! 

I see in the distance the temperance star 

Rising slowly above the heads of the na- 
tion; 

'Tis the grandest thing in this grand crea- 
tion — 

The Star of Prohibition. 

'Tis a star the brilliance of whose lustre 

should never 
Be dimmed by contact with Intemp'rance 

River. 



156 POEMS. 

The time is coming when its glorious light 
Shall shine through the clouds of the darkest 
night — 

This Star of Prohibition. 



Yea, the time is coming when all men shall 

know 
That its possession will on them great riches 

bestow ; 
That their lives will be better and grander 

by far. 
Than ever before there arose this star — 
The Star of Prohibition. 

Let us hope that the women of this grand 

old State 
Will not, in the future, have long to wait 
Ere the husbands and brothers of whom 

they are proud 
Will join in the ranks of the temperance 

crowd, 

And vote for Prohibition. 

And this, my dear friends, is my wish for 

you, — 
In your hearts be born high resolves and 

true ; 



POEMS. 157 

No matter what comes, fail not in your duty, 
But show to the rulers of this country the 
beauty 

And value of Prohibition. 

And at last, when our country is ruled by 

men 
Who are temperate, honest, and true, oh, 

then 
Will be found in the hearts of the faithful 

few 
A contentment and peace such as those 

never knew 

Who trampled on prohibition. 



NORTHERN LIGHT LODGE, PIGEON 
COVE. 

Out on a rocky coast the Northern Light is 
shining. 
Nor cares for storms or blow ; 
And all rejoice to see, when daylight is de- 
clining. 
Its beacon light still brighter glow. 

And every Wednesday night, in fair or 
stormy weather, 
Within their pleasant room, 



158 POEMS. 

The earnest lads and lassies gladly meet 
together 
To welcome wanderers home. 

To-night we celebrate with reading and with 
singing 
The closing of another year ; 
And, looking backward, memory to us is 
bringing 
Fond thoughts to us most dear. 

We see around us fair and smiling faces. 
But some dear friends are gone ; 

While others come to fill the vacant places, 
We cannot feel alone. 

Bright hopes for the future are in our hearts 
upspringing, 
For we have work to do, 
While joyous through the world the songs of 
temp'rance, ringing. 
Are to the friends of freedom ever new. 

As on our rocky coast the northern light is 
shining 
So steady, strong, and true, 
Let our kind wishes, round your future twin- 
ing, 
Be, long life and health to you. 



POEMS. 159 

TO GOVERNOR LONG LODGE, 
MARBLEHEAD. 

My brothers and sisters of Governor Long, 
I see that the temp'rance ranks are strong ; 
I am glad to be here with you to-night, 
With friends whose faces are happy and 
bright. 

I miss from your ranks Brother Jonathan 

Orne, 
With his pleasant face and his portly form. 
His laughing eyes and his smile so sweet. 
That in days of yore we were wont to meet. 

I hear he has left your quaint old town 

For the State of Maine, with its pine-tree 

crown ; 
We will wish him a long and a happy life. 
With freedom from turmoil, care, and strife. 

I hope soon to meet you in Newburyport. 
Where often is held the Superior Court. 
Our meeting a far different meaning hath. 
For we walk in the straight prohibition path. 

So judges and courts have nothing to do 
With the Cold Water Army, as they pass 
through 



160 POEMS. 

The ancient city of Newburyport; 

For we stand behind the temperance fort 

Fighting the Demon of alcohol, 
Making mighty efforts for its downfall ; 
To break its chain and save man's soul 
From the charm of the serpent and the flow- 
ing bowl. 

With many kind wishes for future success, 
I ask the Father above us to bless 
And help you on in your upward way, 
Till shall come at last the Eternal Day. 



ESSEX COUNTY LODGE. 

At the annual session of the Essex C. L., 

An august body, as we all can tell. 

Where temp'rance and pleasure, together 

combined, 
Exert a good influence and elevate the mind, 
We met in Amesbury, and we found a good 

field 
In which to labor and expect a good yield ; 
The members turned out in numbers large, 
And listened earnestly to the solemn charge 
Of fidelity, honesty of purpose, and truth, 



POEMS. 161 

Which tends to encourage our spiritual 

growth. 
Our duties are many, ^Ye're expected to see 
Which way the wind blows, and to trim the 

tree 
Of Intemperance close down to the very 

bark, 
And if we succeed we shall make our mark. 
We must bend little twigs in the way they 

must turn. 
And help them the Temp'rance Ritual to 

learn. 
Thus strength'ning and nourishing the little 

ones, 
And help them to faithfully stand by their 

guns 
And take true aim when the enemy is round, 
And they'll surely bring the foe to the 

ground. 
That's one kind of work we're expected to 

do. 
And fail not in the work but carry it through. 
And this is another : save others from falling; 
We are told in our charge that this is our 

calling, 
Seek out the weak brother, hold fast by his 

hand ; 
To drive out the curse from our fair native 

land J* 



162 POEMS. 

To touch not, to taste not, to keep ourselves 
pure ; 

And all persecution to meekly endure ; 

To be faithful ever, each one to his trust ; 

To follow our Master, so tender and just. 

No matter how faint-hearted, how discour- 
aged we are. 

We must never let traitors our fair standard 
mar; 

But buckle on our armor and cheerfully fight, 

And soon through the darkness we'll see a 
great light 

That will help us onward and upward too, 

If we're honest in purpose, faithful and true. 

Now, brothers and sisters, what more can I 
say 

To encourage and help in the work to-day? 

I can only promise to do my share. 

I am always ready to do and to dare ; 

With hopeful words and willing hand 

I will help to cleanse my own dear land 

From the bitter curse which inthralls it now. 

Then lift your hearts above, 

And pardon He will give you 

For all your many sins. 

To him who faithful is, and true, 

Fair Heaven on earth begins. 

Thus will we strive to comfort 



And aid each sorrowing heart, 
Well knowing, in so doing, 
We take an humble part 
In working for our Saviour, 
And helping on His cause. 
We encourage, too, each other, 
And obey God's holy laws. 
Thus, striving to do good unto others, unto 
these my brothers and sisters in this glorious 
cause, will I give a few loving words of 
counsel ; and if they be but a repetition of the 
rest, let me hope that they will be received 
as kindly as given. 
And patiently scatter the seed that shall 

grow. 
And bring forth at last a harvest so white, 
That will reward our labors in the temp'- 
rance fight. 
And unto those who are cast down we 
will give words of comfort, to cheer and to 
strengthen. 

Oh sad of heart, and weary ! 

God looks in pity down 
Upon your life, so dreary, 

Without one curse or frown. 
Why do ye sit and languish ? 
He knows the heart's d-eep woe, 



164 POEMS, 

He knows your grief and anguish 

Wherever jq may go. 
Ye cannot hide your sorrow 

From His all-piercing eye. 
Why do ye trouble borrow, 

Why make such bitter cry ? 
Oh bend the knee in meekness, 

And trust His tender love ; 
He'll strengthen all your weakness, 

O lift your hearts above. 
Then put your hand upon the plough 

And turn not back again. 
The work must be pushed forward now, 

It long has idle lain. 
With earnestness of purpose, 

With steady hand and eye. 
We'll eagerly press onward, 

We will not falter now. 

By patient waiting, we now find 

A mighty work laid out, 
And we the chosen vessels. 

Must tread the weary route 
That leads through many trials, 

Ere we can drive the foe 
Before our steady fire, 

As forward we shall go. 
Then courage, brothers, sisters, 

God gives us strength to fight ! 



POEMS. 1^^ 

We'll gird us on His armor 
And forward march to right ; 

And soon we'll find the pathway 
That leads to victory, 

And resting on our laurels, 
The millennium we shall see. 



ESSAY. 



At the Essex County Union, on a certain 

day, 
Brother Leonard asked me to write the 

essay 
To be read at the very next place of meeting, 
When our brothers and sisters we should 

be greeting. 
My heart gave a jump, it gave me such a 

fright. 
And without a minute's thought I backed 

out, quite ; 
But after a season of deep meditation, ^ 
Of indignant chiding and earnest berating, 
For trying thus a duty to shirk, 
I quietly set my wits to work, 
And this is the result of my labor. 



166 POEMS, 

Brother Leonard himself did write the essay 
To which you listened with attention that 

day; 
It has been conned and studied by the most 

of the members, 
And in many has awakened the slumbering 

embers 
Of enthusiasm into an undying flame, 
Which shall burn up brightly and shall never 

wane, 
But shall light up the path of our army. 
At the Beverly meeting, with indignation 

quaking, 
I longed to give those brothers a shaking, 
Who railed at the doings of our Grand 

Lodge. 
And our officers, too, how they patiently sat 
And listened to this one, and then to that. 
Although each in turn received a good hit. 
Ah, my friends, which of you would find 

yourselves fit 
To be placed in such a responsible position ? 
No matter what might be your purse's condi- 
tion. 
Do you think you would labor both early 

and late ? 
For neither this one, nor that one, will wait. 



POEMS. 167 

But must have your attention before any 

other. 
Just think, my friends, what a terrible bother, 
If you gave all your time from daylight till 

dark 
And your courage seemed dying, ay, the 

very last spark. 
Would you think it a matter so very funny 
If some one should say you were paid too 

much money ? 
What, think you, would clothe you, and fur- 
nish your bread, 
Or keep a home over your dear ones' head ? 
I speak not without knowledge, the lesson 

I've learned. 
And for many long years my living I've 

earned. 
By working, and waiting, and praying as 

well ; 
Ah ! who but the workers the story can tell 
Of patiently working to earn the dollars 
To buy the food, the garments, the collars. 
The boots, and the gloves, and the many 

little things 
That cause the money to take to itself 

wings 
And fly away so quickly, that you scarcely 

know 



168 POEMS. 

Where the hard-earned wages could possibly 

go. 
And surely you know the Grand Lodge must 

be fed, 
And the subordinate lodges must furnish the 

bread. 
They ask of each member but a very small 

slice. 
I pray you, my brothers, don't grumble at the 

price. 
For we know that the lodges could not hold 

together 
Were it not for the influence of our august 

mother ! 
Now the brothers in turn are much inclined 
With their respective lodges some fault to 

find ; 
But the sisters, I'm sure, with me will agree 
That many pleasant things in the lodge-room 

we see. 
The very first thing that comes to my 

thought 
Are the principles of our Order, as they are 

taught. 
For these my dear friends, are the virtues 

three. 
That we must cherish. Faith, Hope, and 

Charity. 



POEMS. 1^^ 

Faith in each other, in the Father above, 
A perfect faith in His infinite love. 
Hope for the fallen where'er they may be, 
Hope when no light in the darkness we see, 
Hope, that the clouds may be driven away. 
And the bright sun of Heaven shall shine on 

our day. 
Charity for all men, whate'er we may know, 
\ Charity that falleth hke a mantle of snow 
On the sins, and the failings, we cannot 

cure, 
For temptations are many and often allure ; 
Alas, the consequence to the sinner is sure. 
For as sure as we sin, in our hearts we know 
That punishment follows wherever we go. 
Then the Good of the Order presents to my 

mind 
Many things that are pleasant and must be 

refined, 
To accomplish the work we are trying to do, — 
Raise up the fallen, help the weak ones too. 
Each one has a talent of some kind or other. 
Yes, I mean every one, both sister and bro- 

ther ; 
With recitations, songs, some conundrums as 

well, 
The time passes quickly, as all can tell. 
And then, again, the smiling faces. 



170 POEMS. 

As the members come in and take their 

places, 
Are pleasant to see, and 'tis pleasant to greet 
Each one in turn as they take their seat. 
There are also the Fairs, the Apron Sales too, 
Give some of the sisters plenty of work to 

do. 
The sewing circle meets one evening each 

week, 
'Tis work and pleasure combined that we 

seek ; 
And if we have pound parties, I am sure you'll 

agree 
That the packages brought are sometimes 

funny to see. 
So fun, work, and pleasure together will 

make 
The hours pass quickly and keep us awake ; 
And if, some time, some sister or brother 
Will cast out aspersion, and grumble at each 

other, 
We know that before the meeting is done, 
With hard feelings gone, a smile is won, 
And we go forth to our homes with contented 

heart. 
And the good nights ring out merrily as we 

depart. 
Now with a kind greeting to young and old, 



POEMS. ITl 

I would say to you all, if I may be so bold, — 
Seek not for trouble, it will come soon 

enough, 
And many, many times we shall find the way 

rough. 
Walk steadily on, seek out the bright side. 
And the way will come easy, whate'er may 

betide ; 
See to it, that we neither stumble nor fall. 
That in our own weakness on the Father we 

call. 
And He, in His tenderness, pity, and love. 
Will keep us from danger, and lead us above. 

And now, my brothers and sisters, having 
given vent to the indignation which took 
possession of me at the Beverly meeting, I 
would like to say a few words to you on that 
subject so old, yet so inexhaustible, — the 
subject of Intemperance. Oh, I wonder if 
mothers ever think that the first lessons of 
intemperance, the thirst for strong drinks, are 
implanted in the baby breast by loving and 
tender hands. I wonder if mothers, when 
they clasp the little ones in loving embrace, 
and shower kisses on the baby head nestled 
so lovingly on the bosom filled with undying 
affection for the child to whose future they 



172 POEMS. 

look forward with such fond anticipations of 
noble life, — I wonder when they have recourse 
to the bottle of gin to still the pain, or the 
bottle of paregoric to soothe the nerves and 
close the baby eyes in an unnatural sleep, if 
they think they are blasting the future, plant- 
ing the seeds of an unnatural appetite, that 
shall be to them a reproach and a curse, to 
follow them to the end of life. Let us hope 
that they will remember, and tremble, for 
the responsibility is great, and God will 
surely require a soul at their hands. He will 
ask, Is it well with my son ? Who can tell 
the anguish with which such mothers see the 
once innocent babe sink into a drunkard's 
grave. Another evil by which our children 
are exposed to this terrible temptation, is, 
when fathers drink the draught prepared for 
them by Satan, and put the glass to the lips 
of their little ones, that they may drain the 
sugar from the bottom ; do they not see the 
thing lying therein, that biteth like a serpent 
and stingeth like an adder ; which shall turn 
upon them in their old age and bring their 
gray hairs in sorrow to the grave ? Again, 
children growing from babyhood into child- 
hood, their ears growing familiar with curses, 
their eyes perhaps accustomed to sights of 



POEMS. 173 

brutality, merging from childhood into boy- 
hood, ay, and even girlhood, left to their 
own resources, allowed to spend evening 
after evening wandering in the streets, loaf- 
ing at the corners, lolling in the shops where 
perhaps the accursed stuff is sold; can we 
wonder then that our towns and cities are 
filled with drunkards and prostitutes, and 
alas, murderers? Do we not shudder at the 
prospect before them ? Is there not cause to 
tremble ? Oh my brothers and sisters, banded 
together to fight this giant evil, falter not in 
the work we have undertaken, cease not 
your efforts to conquer this terrible foe ; 
even though ye cannot see the fruits of your 
labors. For by constant watching and work- 
ing, by constant prayer and earnest faith ye 
may be enabled to help on the work of sal- 
vation. Even to save one soul is greater 
far than to sit with folded hands despairing 
at the enormity of this evil. And having 
put your hand to the plough turn not back 
again, walk onward and upward trusting in 
Him who has sent us to bind up the broken- 
hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, 
and to open the prison doors to them that 
are bound; to give unto them beauty for 
ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the gar- 



174 POEMS. 

ment of praise for heaviness, that they may 
build up the old waste, that they may repair 
their waste cities, that they may repair their 
former desolations, from the desolations of 
many generations. See to it, my brothers and 
sisters, that ye faint not at the prospect be- 
fore you, for the God in whom we put our 
trust will strengthen us in our hour of need, 
and to each and all of us who labor faithfully 
in His name will He say, when at last shall 
come the angel of death to take us Home, 
" Well done, good and faithful servant, enter 
thou into the joy of thy Lord." 

Thus must we ever labor on 
With willing heart and hand. 

To drive that curse of rum and wrong. 
Intemperance, from the land. 

The Lord of hosts shall be our stay. 
Our Helper, and our Friend, 

His love shall guide us on our way. 
And keep us to the end. 

Then falter not, but cheer the sad. 

Lift up the fallen one. 
The heavy heart make light and glad — 

Then shall our v/ork be done. 



POEMS. 



1T5 



And when at last the Lord shall come 
To bear us home to heaven, 

To all who then His Cross lay down 
Will the crown of Life be given. 



WRITTEN FOR THE NINTH ANNL 

VERSARY OF THE RIVERDALE 

REFORM CLUB. 

Nine years have passed since first we met 

To fight for liberty, 
Against the demons which beset 

Our feet, nor turn and flee, 
But nobly face the foe and fight it down 

With strong determined will. 
And fear not though the world may frown. 

Our homes with comforts fill. 

With peace and happiness. 
Reform ! our watchword e'er shall be. 

Clubs strike the vaunting foe. 
We'll win the battle and be free. 

Our banners round the world shall go. 
What though the passing years have been 

A checkered page of fears and joy, 
Not one of all earth's children win 

The gold, without alloy. 



176 POEMS. 

Not one has stood before the Lord, 

From all earth's troubles free ; 
Yet, taking comfort in His word, 

His children all shall be ; 
So, friends and brothers here to-night, 

This comfort you may take: 
All who shall win in either fight 

He never will forsake ; 
But when you pray for help to see 

The way in which to walk, 
His hand your loving guide shall be. 

His love, firm as a rock. 
Shall be a rod and staff to thee ; 

One Shepherd and one flock. 



THE ESSEX COUNTY SQUADRON. 

Minnehaha, laughing waters. 

First upon the temperance list. 
Through its noble sons and daughters. 

On prohibition doth insist. 
Riverside goes with the tide 

That flows in pure cold water. 
Nothing with them can e'er abide 

That makes such fearful slaughter. 
Third comes Linwood, always good 

For battling with old Satan, 



POEMS. 177 

They know he gives them poor brain food, 

And send back all he gives, verbatim. 
Now comes the lodge of old Cape Ann, 

Our social, brave Fraternity, 
And firm we'll stand, both maid and man, 

Through all eternity. 
Brave Mountain Rill is never still. 

But keeps our Hale still hearty, 
With flowing rhymes our ears to fill, 

Whene'er we give a party. 
From Pontiac we did not hear, 

But know they are still living ; 
On its account we need not fear, — 

A report 'twill soon be giving. 
Fair Silver Lake is clear and bright, 

Nor tries to Dodge its duty, 
He marches bravely to the fight. 

With honor, manhood's beauty. 
Alas ! our Forest tree is dead, 

Killed by adversity. 
Its branches, scattered, lost, and fled, 

We never more shall see. 
Governor Long is staunch and strong, 

And ever holds its own, 
We'll right the wrong, this is its song. 

We'll pull the rum fiend down. 
Now here's to you, Steadfast * and true, 

* steadfast Lodge has since surrendered its charter. 



178 POEMS. 

Your motto " Honor bright," 
We know your crew are all true blue, 

And watchful day and night. 
Always with us, Agamenticus, 

Kept shining by our Emery, 
And long we trust it may be thus 

Kept green in every memory. 
Ah ! where away hails Ocean Spray, 

And pipes its crew to arms, 
O long, we pray, may be its day 

In beautiful Beverly Farms. 
Excelsior one motto was, — 

Where can its followers be ? 
Why did they leave our glorious cause ? 

I'm sure I cannot see ! 
Ah ! now we find the bright Sunshine, 

And bask within its ray, 
It warmth and light doth both combine, 

No clouds can near it stay. 
Crystal Fountain, once so clear, 

Has vanished from our sight ; 
Where once its ripples we did hear, 

All silent is, like night. 
Franklin Lodge, of Riverdale, 

Is growing up so fast. 
Its members are so strong and hale, 

They'll own a Hall at last. 



POEMS. 179 

Danvers quite near the Asylum is ; 

I think they do not care ? 
Cold water is their motto, — while it is, 

They never will go there. 
Grand Washington ! we'll ne'er forget 

Our namesake true and bold, 
We'll achieve his glorious standard yet, 

'Tis better far than gold. 
Rantoul is dead, in its quiet bed 

It rests, no hope of resurrection-, 
Its fires with words of wrath were fed, 

They carried dire destruction. 
The poet Longfellow doth survive 

In the memory of the people, — 
May his namesake's precepts ever fly 

From cottage, dome, and steeple. 
Sometimes we roam in Sylvan Dale 

And view the prospects there. 
We find sweet flowers, they will not fail, 

They are human, sweet and fair. 
On our rocky coast the Northern Light is 
shining. 

Its rays, once bright, are dim. 
But clouds, you know, have oft a silver lining, 

We'll try and help you up again. 
Next comes Niagara, — oh so grand, — 

Its record always good, 



180 POEMS. 

Throughout our fair and happy land, 

On mountain, vale, and wood. 
Garfield, though small, competes with all 

To keep the ball still rolling, 
It vows 'twill crush old Alcohol, 

His knell they now are tolling. 
Endight has fallen by the way, 

In quiet now 'tis sleeping. 
And o'er its grave, both night and day. 

Another Lodge is vigil keeping. 
It steps up proudly to the front. 

And calls itself Aggressive, 
In freedom's battle 'twill bear the brunt, 

And thus become progressive. 
Lincoln, our Nation's hero, died. 

Thousands wept o'er his bier. — 
His namesake vanished from our side. 

None shed for it a tear. 

The Temperance fleet is now complete, 

And ready for the fight. 
We'll cheerful greet, and on our feet 

Stand firm for God and Right. 



LIFE AS A SCHOOL. 181 



LIFE AS A SCHOOL. 

Are we not scholars from the cradle to the 
grave ? Does not the infant, with the first 
gleam of reason, look up into its mother's 
face to learn whether love or anger dwells 
there? Is not the mother's face the first 
book wherein lies all its hopes and fears? 
Does not the disobedient, child read its 
failure in the lines of care upon the beloved 
face? And as the child grows older, and 
takes the first trembling, tottering steps, has 
it not commenced its education ? Do not 
the mischievous little fingers learn to meddle 
with everything that comes in their way ? 
And as they grow older, and learn the rights 
and wrongs of life, how hard it is to choos,e 
the right when it conflicts with their own 
wishes. Must we not learn to bear and for- 
bear ? Ah, how happy the child learning the 
first short, sweet lessons of life ! No sorrow, 
no care, no grief that a mother's kiss cannot 
care. Only to be happy ! Would that we 
could always learn to do right as little child- 
ren: how much sorrow would we save our- 
selves and others. From our babyhood do we 
not become the boys and girls of the public 



182 LIFE AS A SCHOOL. 

schools, and take our places on the stage of 
life, as actors in its comedies and its trage- 
dies ? — from the tuition of our loving fathers 
and mothers, to the teaching of the school- 
master or mistress ? Ah, then is often told 
the story whether the home teaching has 
been kind and just, firm and loving, exacting 
obedience, or weakly indulgent, allowing 
the child to grow up wayward and contrary, 
following its own will until it becomes sec- 
ond nature, and its disposition crooked and 
warped. Oh mothers, look to it that ye be 
not guilty! Let us follow the scholar and 
see what he becomes; coming from a home 
where love and reason rules, the boy and 
girl, having learned to obey, follow in the 
path marked out by the patient teacher. A 
correct deportment, lessons faithfully learned, 
an earnest insight into the future, and the 
boy becomes honest, industrious, just in all 
his dealings, beloved by all who know him, 
and, leaving his boyhood behind him, be- 
comes the man whose integrity helps to build 
up business prospects, and wins an honorable 
place in society. The girl becomes modest 
and ladylike, an ornament to society, a trea- 
sure to her family and to all who know her, 
fitted by education and character to fill an 



LIFE AS A SCHOOL. 183 

important position in life. A tender, loving 
wife and mother, making home happy, and 
the world better for having lived in it. Did 
I hear you say, Perchance that may not be 
her lot in life? It may be that she has 
marked out a far different course from the 
one I have cited. It may be that she will 
take her place among the bright lights of the 
world. Perhaps as a minister of the Gospel, 
carrying glad tidings of great joy unto all the 
people ; perhaps as a doctor she may cure 
diseases of the mind and body, cheering the 
sick with her kindly words of sympathy and 
love, as well as curing them with her medi- 
cines. The world made happier by her music, 
her poetry, her serials. Whatever paths she 
may pursue, we may be sure her home teaching 
has given us this fair, pure woman to help us 
onward and upward. A lecturer appears 
upon the field ; his earnest truths, his enthu- 
siasm, fill us with new resolutions, new 
hopes. From him we learn that God is 
good, that the world is fair and beautiful; 
His pure thoughts elevate and strengthen us, 
give us new life, and lift us from the slough 
of despondency and lighten the cares and the 
troubles that enter into our daily life. Are 
we not learning from him, from them all, 



184 LIFE AS A SCHOOL. 

that we may not live for ourselves alone? 
that we may give our help and encourage- 
ment to others, as they have given to us? 
Now let us look on the other side. Where 
do our murderers, our adulterers, our thieves 
come from ? Not from those who in child- 
hood learned to obey the Golden Rule. 
From those who, all unused to control, be- 
come lazy, rude, and wicked, losing manhood 
and womanhood in the wild, turbulent life 
they lead; following their own uncurbed 
passions, until at last they become outlaws, 
thieves, drunkards, and, alas, perhaps dye 
their hands in their brother's blood. Oh, 
fathers and mothers, curb the fierce passions, 
the unruly tempers of your little ones while 
yet ye may ! Guard them as more precious 
in His sight than gold or rubies. They are 
not given, only lent. God will surely require 
their souls at our hands, will say to us, 
" What have ye done with my jewels ? Have 
ye nurtured them with care, have ye culti- 
vated their talents, have ye taught them that 
in Heaven there is an inheritance incorrupt- 
ible, that fadeth not away ? Have ye taught 
them that, as the pleasures of earth fade from 
before their eyes, there is One who will lift 
up the weary, drooping head, and will guide 



LIFE AS A SCHOOL. 185 

them safely down the dark valley and 
shadow of death, who will lead them over 
the river, into that Home not made with 
hands, eternal in the heavens ? " Happy 
are ye if ye can say, " Yea, Master, all this 
have I done." Let us consider what we can 
do to help those thus unfortunate, who have 
not had the hand of father or mother to 
help them through weary years of sin and 
woe. Good examples, kindly words, and 
loving help to those in need, must be our 
portion. Pass not by one whose condition 
appeals to your sympathies, lift up the fallen, 
and keep others from falling, put not tempta- 
tions and stumbling-blocks in your brother's 
way, turn not in scorn from one who has 
fallen from the paths of rectitude and honor ! 
We know not the cause thereof. Come not 
with fear and trembling before your heavenly 
Father : come with faith and love ; pray to 
Him unceasingly, that ye may learn the right 
way from the cradle to the grave, that gate 
of heaven, and Jesus will intercede for us, 
and God will wipe away our tears, and we 
will sing with the redeemed, "Glory be to 
God on high." 

In infancy's cradle, we calmly sleep. 
While over us mother-love vigil doth keep. 



186 POEMS. 

We heed not the storms or dangers nigh ; 
All cloudless the blue of our sweet spring 
sky. 

In childhood we wander at our own sweet 

will, 
And the mother-love watches over us still, 
Shaping the paths that before us lie, 
Chasing the clouds from our summer sky. 

As manhood and womanhood draweth near, 
There are cares and woes, which we shrink 

from in fear ; 
We look upwards in faith to the Father on 

high. 
He mellows the clouds in our autumn sky. 

We walk into old age with tottering feet. 
The span of our life is nearly complete : 
We call unto God with a passionate cry. 
As the chilly clouds darken our winter sky. 

Then sit at His feet in patience, and learn. 

And yield unto Him a gracious return. 

Our natures are strong, sweet knowledge we 
crave. 

We are scholars and learners from the cra- 
dle to the grave. 



POEMS. ^^"^ 



THE GIPSY PROPHETESS. 

I AM a gipsy prophetess, 

I've come from over sea. 
Who'll take a piece of silver 

And cross my hand for me, 
That I may read the horoscope 

That's cast for you in heaven? 
For unto every man and maid 

God has a fortune given. 
I see before me many friends 

Whose lot is lowly cast. 
But do not be discouraged. 
You shall rejoice at last. 
For He who judges all the world. 

Loves none above another ; 
Each one must answer for himself, 

None answers for his brother. 
The maiden with the dark-brown hair. 

And her sweetheart true and bold, 
Will find that true love purer is 

And better far than gold ; 
That they must take the narrow way. 

As they journey on through life. 

If they would escape its vicissitudes. 

And much of its care and strife. 



188 P0E3I8. 

The sisters, who with pitying love 

Will hide a sister's fall, 
Will happy be, and gladly go 

When they hear the Father's call 
That bids them stand before His Throne 

To answer for their deeds. 
They'll find that there no difference is 

In religion or in creeds, 
That in the Golden Rule they'll find 

Religion strong and true. 
If ye do unto others as ye would 

That they should do to you. 
The brothers, who with manly hearts 

Stand firmly by their friends, 
And shield them from the tempter's power, 

E'en to the bitter end. 
Shall find a satisfaction sweet, 

That naught can take away, 
'Twill be a comfort in their lives, 

And help them on their way. 
And when their work on earth is done, 

And they stand before the throne. 
Their hearts will leap for joy 

When they hear their Father say, " Well 
done." 
The maiden with the laughing eye. 

With the sweetheart far away. 
Will find that life is what we make it, 

What we do and say. 



POEMS. 189 

That cheerful hearts and willing hands 

Will help us on our way. 
And she who from the piano's chord 

Such music sweet doth bring, 
And in whose heart we know 

The echo of that music rings, 
Shall brighten some dear lover's home. 

And make his heart grow light, 
When tired and hungry from his work 

He comes, night after night. 
The matron with the portly form, 

And her spouse with smiling face. 
Who leave their home night after night, 

And take with you their place, 
Will find a sure reward in heaven 

For all their kindly deeds. 
As they seek out and aid the poor, 

And minister to their needs. 
The sisters, who with willing hands 

Work for the homes they love. 
Will find at last a perfect rest. 

When they enter heaven above. 
The brother, who with little ones 

Growing up within his home. 
Must labor on with cheerful heart, 

'Neath heaven's deep-blue dome. 
Nor let his heart grow faint. 

Nor by the way must fall, 



190 POEMS. 

For He who feeds the sparrows 

Careth for us one and all. 
And though the way is dark, 

And the clouds seem closing in, 
'Tis he who faints, nor falters not. 

That shall the victory win. 
There's one who stands with lordly mien. 

And holds the Lodge's funds. 
Ye know him, one and all ; 

With prolifics he doth abound ; 
Your faith in him is strong. 

And he knows that fact full well, 
A reward for faithfulness he'll win. 

As every one can tell. 
There's one I see before me now. 

With face so set and stern. 
He does his duty well. 

And calls you each in turn 
To mind what you're about : 

And that is where he's right. 
And if you don't do better soon 

He surely will show fight. 
Politeness and respect should 

Be shown unto the Chair ; 
And the rules and regulations 

Show you that his course is fair ; 
For faithfulness in duty 

A sure reward will bring ; 



POEMS. 191 

And to fill the Templar's chair, you know, 

Is not an easy thing. 
There's some who listen calmly, 

Then gravely say, " I doubt." 
They'll find that in the world to come 

The doubts must be left out. 
'Tis they that have the perfect love 

Which casteth out all fear. 
That win the eternal crown of heaven, — 

But they must win it here. 
Now, all ye youthful lads and lassies, 

Who gather round this Altar, 
The gipsy bids you hasten on, 

And never, never falter ; 
For the vow you took within this room. 

Before the All-seeing Eye, 
You took for life ; be firm and true. 

And keep it till you die. 
The gipsy has been round, 

And if any she o'erlooks. 
Remember that your fortune's written 

Within the Father's books ; 
That whatsoe'er you do on earth, 

Whether it's right or wrong. 
That ye must answer to your God : 

Ask Him to make you strong 
To battle for the right. 

To conquer every ill. 



192 POEMS. 

To think of others, not yourselves, 
And thus obey His will. 

So speaks the gipsy prophetess, 
Who comes from over sea. 

God bless you all, and keep you, 
And may you happy be. 



DIVINE LOVE. 

There is a love, all other loves commanding, 
Which gives to us the love that passeth understanding; 
And though to us the gold of life seems turning into dross, 
We'll surely find that love, O Christ, by clinging to Thy Cross. 

Beothers, sisters, and friends, when the 
storms of life overtake us, and everything 
looks dark and dreary, then it is that we 
look upward for help in time of trouble. 
Then it is that we feel the power of Divine 
Love, and reach upward to cling to the ever- 
helping hand. How often, alas, when bask- 
ing in the smiles of fortune, borne high on the 
waves of prosperity, do we forget the Giver, 
and worship the gifts, looking no higher for 
help than in our own arrogant hearts and 
stubborn will ! But when, having risked our 
all in the speculations of life, we find the 
bubble bursting, and ourselves nearly ship- 



DIVINE LOVE. 193 

wrecked, then, indeed, do we remember that 
we do not live for ourselves alone, that the 
heavenly mandate, Bear ye one another's 
burdens, was meant for us. So it is, when 
our terrible foe, the demon of alcohol, runs 
riot through our land, devastating hearts and 
homes, that we, forgetting our own cares and 
sorrows, must put forth a helping hand, with 
words of counsel and of warning, to those 
who through weakness are falling around us. 
We who are banded together to fight this 
common foe must work faithfully and well, 
and must not weary in well-doing. When- 
ever and wherever we may see a chance to 
speak a word of encouragement, a possibil- 
ity of helping a sufferer from this curse of our 
fair land, the rum traffic, let us take that 
chance; let us reason with them, telling 
them of that love which is all-powerful, 
which will keep them in perfect safety and 
peace, if they will but put their trust in it. 
the love which faintethnot, nor faileth, which 
shall be a light unto their paths, and a guide 
unto their feet, if they will forsake their evil 
ways, and turn unto Him who knoweth all 
things, and doeth all things well. And unto 
them who have placed hope, happiness, and 
even life itself in the hands of those who 



194 DIVINE LOVE. 

have fallen by the tempter's cup, even to 
them, whose hearts are breaking under the 
weight of their sorrows, who have seen the 
bright gold of life turn into sounding brass, 
and whose cup of bliss has turned to gall, — 
to them we will come in sympathy, bidding 
them look upward to Him, cling fast to 
His loving hand, and He will sustain them, 
and comfort them. But while speaking 
words of comfort, let us not forget that 
hunger may have laid its gaunt finger upon 
them, that the sting of poverty may be upon 
them, and that cold, want, and starvation 
may be their portion. Then show unto them 
the charity which feedeth the hungry and 
clothes the naked ; and then shall we know 
that it is more blessed to give than to receive, 
and we shall forget our own sorrows in thus 
remembering the sorrows of others. There 
are many orders, many societies, banded to- 
gether to fight this evil, and yet it strides 
through our land with its brazen face, not 
even seeking to cover its deformities. 
Wherein lies the fault? Is it that, while 
professedly banded together for good, we 
forget the object, and seek only our own 
pleasure which we may gather from our 
weekly meetings? Do we think of others, 



DIVINE LOVE. 195 

as we ought ? Are not the principles of 
our Order forgotten, or at least kept out of 
sight? While we look for, and expect to 
find, pleasure from our meetings, which we 
must render pleasant and inviting for the 
young, let us not forget that the principles 
of Good Templary are founded in the Bible, 
and that our motto is, Faith, Hope, and 
Charity. A faith in God's goodness, a faith 
that believes in His willingness and power to 
turn evil into good. A hope that sweetens 
the bitterness of life, a hope that we shall 
see the evil crushed, and the down-trodden 
lifted up. A charity that covereth like a 
mantle of snow its neighbor's sins, a charity 
that thinketh no evil, and we shall mingle 
work with pleasure, and life will be better 
and brighter for us and for others. A short 
time ago I listened to the recital of that 
beautiful poem, " The Changed Cross," and 
remembering the unrestfulness of the one 
who was seeking after a lighter cross than 
that which God had given him, how, after 
wandering from cross to cross, lifting one 
after another, finding each heavier than the 
last, he soon espied a little jewelled cross, 
and springing forward with a cry of joy, he 
raised it to his bosom. But alas! in how 



196 DIVINE LOVE. 

short a time did he begin to stagger under 
his burden, and, laying it down, returned 
unto his own, and was surprised to find how 
much lighter it had become. So we, too, 
will find that, carried with cheerfulness and 
submission, our own burdens will grow 
lighter and lighter, until at last we shall lay- 
down the cross and take up the crown. 

What though the dark clouds gather 

Round our defenceless head, 
What though we bend in sorrow 

Above our sainted dead? 
What though our earthly sorrows 

Press on our aching heart. 
And grim care, in her taunting mood. 

Refuses to depart ? 

What though we shrink in terror 

Before the reeking foe 
Which brings to many hearts and homes 

Such bitter grief and woe ? 
With Christ-love in us dwelling, 

We count all gain, not loss. 
We cannot be discouraged 

While clinging to His cross. 



POEMS. 197 



THE SOLDIER BOYS. 

Onward, right onward, 

The soldier boys come, 
Onward, right onward. 

To the sound of the drum ; 
Onward, right onward, 

With drum and with fife, 
Fighting for country. 

For home, and for life. 

Onward, right onward, 

The temperance boys come. 
With banner free floating, 

With cheerful words come ; 
They are bold and determined ; 

They shrink not from strife ; 
They are figkting for country. 

For home, and for life. 

Our soldier boys fear not 

The shot or the shell. 
The prayers of their loved ones 

Cast o'er them a spell ; 
Onward, right onward. 

How quickly they move ! 
They fear not the danger ; 

They are fighting for love. 



198 POEMS. 

Our brave temperance army, 

Though they meet not the shell, 
Must conquer the enemy, 

And ring his death knell. 
He plunders men's homes, 

This incarnate fiend. 
He robs them of honor, 

Of money and friend. 
He robs them of children, 

Of mothers and wives ; 
He stings like an adder, 

And wrecks men's lives. 

Then God bless our soldier boys ; 

Our temperance boys too. 
They are honest and noble, 

Brave-hearted and true. 
With banner free floating, 

With fife and with drum. 
Onward, right onward, 

The grand armies come. 



POEMS. 



199 



THE DRUNKARD'S PLEA. 

A DRUNKAKD on his knees one day 

Was pleading unto heaven, 
That the lost crown of manhood 

Might once more to him be given ; 
That the tranquil mind and happy heart, 

That was his in youthful days, 
Might come to him and speed him on 

In honest, healthful ways : 
For in my dreams I often see 

My wife, and my darling babe 
Beside her, sleeping in the cot 

My hands, for her, had made ; 
My gentle Nellie's pleasant face 

And loving smile, I see. 
While on the window-ledge is placed 

A beacon-light for me ; 
But I could not pass the Golden Ball, 

That gilded haunt of sin. 
My feet would often turn aside 

And I would enter in. 
Once there, my reason lost its sway, 

And I would drink and swear. 
Until I lost all sense of self. 
A demon entered there 1 



200 POEMS. 

I knew no more of time or j)lace, 

In drunken stupor lay, 
Until the sun began its course 

And night had turned to day. 
My patient wife, with tears and prayers, 

Besought me leave the path, 
I would not listen to her words 

But turned away in wrath ; 
And now, within the churchyard 

Are laid my wife and little child, 
My life is filled with grim remorse. 

My days are dark and wild. 
And on my knees I pray that God 

Will take away the pain. 
That I may lift my head once more ; 

Become a man again. 



AND THEN COMETH THE EVENING 
AND THE MORNING OF THE 
FIRST DAY. 

When the cares of life o'erwhelm us 
And the way is dark and drear. 

Brothers, sisters, then take courage 
For the night of rest draws near ! 



POEMS. 201 

And when the burning sun goes down, 

The star of hope shall rise, 
And soon the morning's rosy tints 

Will brighten all the skies ; 
Then gladly work while yet you may. 

For soon shall come the rest 
When God shall call from earth away ; 

He doeth all things best. 



A PROPHECY. 

I LOOK with sad prophetic eyes into the 

future years, 
And for me, nothing there I see, but sighs 

and tears, 
A lonely, loveless life, with none to care 

Whatever my fate may be ; 
A wide and barren waste, whose arid plains 

I see 
Stretch out before me like a pall. 
O God, where shall I flee. 



202 POEMS. 



IN MEMORY OF OUR DEAD 
SOLDIERS. 

Scatter the bright autunm leaves over their 

bed; 
Hang the immortelles above their head ; 
For we all must die, to be born again, 
Is the lesson that Nature teaches all men. 

We see it in every leaf and flower 

That fades away each day and hour ; 

It is only the outward form that we miss, 

The spirit awakens with the springtime kiss. 

And we know that our dear ones are like 

unto them. 
In the bright Home above we shall see them 

again, 
Where sickness and sorrow can never be 

found ; 
For the love of the Father sheds glory 

around. 

Then place the evergreen cross at their feet. 
The love of our Saviour is passing sweet. 
For love no greater than this can be, 
That gave up its life for you and me. 



POEMS. 203 

Then mourn not for those who have passed 

away 
From this earthly life to immortal day ; 
We shall meet them again in heaven above, 
And dwell there forever in peace and love. 

Scatter the bright autumn leaves over their 

bed, 
And think of them living, and not as dead ; 
For in glory their angels behold the Face 
That is clothed in beauty and living grace. 



IN MEMORY OF MY FATHER. 

While sitting in the early gloom 

I turned my gaze abroad, 
And from the window of my room 

I saw the works of God. 
Far in the glowing western sky. 

Illumined by the sun, 
I saw a pictured city fair, — 

The new Jerusalem. 
And, as I gazed, the vision grew 

Until it seemed to me 
My father's spirit floated on. 

Untroubled, happy, free. 



204 POEMS. 

His Saviour stood beside the gate, 

With tender, loving eyes 
And outstretched hands, to welcome home 

His soul to Paradise. 
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 

Fair city of our God ! 
I know my father's soul is there, 

And not beneath the sod. 

Then to my weary, troubled heart. 

The aching void to fill. 
There came a whisper, soft and low, — 

My daughter. Peace be still. 

IN MBMOEIAM. 

Quickly passed the shade away. 
Brightened into glorious day, 
For he heard his Saviour's voice 
Saying, Happy soul, rejoice ; 
For thy pilgrimage is o'er, 
Enter thou at heaven's door. 

Enter thou, thrice blessed one. 
For thy work on earth is done. 
And thy Father needs thee here. 
Come quickly, son, and do not fear ; 
Soon thy loved ones, too, shall come. 
Gather here with thee at home. 



POEMS. 



206 



IN MEMORY OF OUR NATION'S MAR- 
TYR, JAMES A. GARFIELD. 

Bow down your heads, ye everlasting 
hills. 

And veil your gladness ; 
A mighty nation mourns its Chief 

In sadness. 



All honor to our glorious dead. 

Whose fate has thrilled all nations ; 

Sweet be his rest, though low his head. 
Disturb him not with lamentations. 



Weep with the wife whose stricken heart 
Is wrung with speechless sorrow ; 

But whisper, 'Tis not always dark, 
There is a glad to-morrow. 

Weep with his sons, and daughter fair, 
Who evermore must miss his love ; 

But bid them cast away despair. 
And look to Him who reigns above. 



206 P0EM8. 

Weep with the aged mother, too : 

She mourns the son that's passed away ; 

Tell her this word is ever true, — 
There is a resurrection day. 

When all the dead in Christ shall rise 
To meet the glorious King of Light, 

Where heavenly anthems fill the skies, 
And there shall never more be night. 



OUR NATION'S HERO. 

U. S. GRANT. 

Sadly tolled the bells at morning. 
O'er our hero's drooping head, 

As along the streets the soldiers 
Bore our sainted dead. 

Softly lay him on his pillow 
In a quiet, endless rest ; 

Plant the fragile weeping willow 
O'er our soldier's breast. 



POEMS. ^^'^ 



SHERIDAN. 



Hail, Sheridan, brave Sheridan 
The battle is ended, the victory won. 
Upon thy calm and pallid brow 
The victor's crown is shining now. 
And though thy hands, in quiet rest, 
Are folded on thy pulseless breast. 
And closed the eagle eye in sleep. 
Above thy grave we will not weep ; 
But in our hearts thy name shall be 
Enshrined in loving memory. 

Hail, Sheridan, brave Sheridan ! 
A heavenly kingdom thou hast won. 
Where war and carnage never come ; 
Where angels wait, with harp in hand. 
To welcome home a soul so grand. 
In future years thy name shall be 
A watchword on to liberty ; 
And in our hearts shall live again 
The gallant leader, Sheridan. 



208 POEMS. 

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF 
TENIE. 

Sweet child of earth, thy pilgrimage is o'er ; 
For thee has opened wide the golden door ; 
Thy loving Saviour bade thee enter in, 
And stand with Him before the Eternal King. 

The solemn sentence passed upon thee, this : 
" Enter thou, beloved, into everlasting bliss ; 
Within the radiant mansions of the blest, 
Upon thy Saviour's bosom, find eternal rest." 

Though only eighteen years have passed, the 

cross, laid down. 
Upon thy fair young brow is placed the 

heavenly crown. 
May God, in tender mercy, cheer the aching 

hearts. 
That thy home-going pierced with sorrow's 

darts. 

May He send comfort to their desolated 

home, 
And may they learn to say, " Thy Will, not 

mine, be done." 
Three gems above them shining, three jewels 

rich and rare, 
To bind their hearts to God and heaven, and 

keep them there. 



POEMS. 209 

MINNIE. 

" Not lost, but gone before." 

She is not dead, but sleeping : 
Thy Minnie, fair and sweet. 
Has entered into rest complete ; 
And round her lowly bed the angels bright 

A loving watch are keeping. 

She is not dead, but sleeping : 

Clasped in her Father's arms, 

Safe from the earth alarms ; 

While, in her lonely home, sad eyes 
Grow dim with bitter weeping. 

She is not dead, but sleeping : 

Look up, O stricken heart. 

Let sorrow quick depart ! 

Thy darling, for her faithful work, 
A rich reward is reaping. 

She is not dead, but sleeping ; 

Her life was pure and sweet. 

But quiet now the busy feet. 

Loved ones have welcomed Home your 
child, 
O parents ! cease your weeping. 



210 rOEMS. 

JOSEPHINE. 

Through the gates of death ye shall enter into life 
everlasting. 

Slowly our dear one faded 

And passed from our sight away, 
Passed into the arms of her Saviour, 

Who bore her to endless day. 
No mother was near to lighten 

The hours of pain and grief ; 
But the young heart trusted meekly 

On One who could bring her relief. 

For the Father His child was watching 

With infinite pity and love, 
Watching, and waiting to take her 

Home to His mansions above. 
Weaker, still weaker, the footsteps, 

Fainter the laboring breath. 
For her the gates must be opened 

By the pitying angel of death. 

Strew flowers upon her last pillow, 

Above her you must not weep ; 
The words of the Father are spoken : 

He giveth His beloved sleep. 
Then place the frail casket gently 

Beneath the green sod to rest. 
The soul that He gave He has taken. 

She dwells in the Home of the blest. 



POEMS. 211 



TO THE MEMORY OF JESSIE. 

Our dear young friend has left us. 

O whither has she gone ? 
The Saviour quickly answers — 

To join the immortal throng. 
There in her fair young beauty, 

Clothed in celestial white, 
She stands with myriad angels 

Before the Throne of Light, 

Chanting the Father's praises 

With voice so sweet and strong ; 
To mourn for her departure 

Would sinful be, and wrong ; 
For, safe within the vale. 

Her sufferings all are o'er, 
And in her fresh young girlhood 

She entered heaven's door. 

And on her darkened home, 

Made desolate and sad. 
The Father looks in pity, 

And bids their hearts be glad ; 
For, what has been their loss 

Is her eternal gain ; 
If they look to Him for comfort, 

They will not look in vain. 



212 POEMS. 

Then take this promise gladly 

Into your lonely heart, — 
From those who seek His presence 

He never will depart ; 
But lead them gently through 

The night of dark despair 
Into the courts of heaven, 

And ever keep us there. 



GENEVRA. 

'Tis many years since Neva died, 

My little one, my all ; 
'Tis many, many lonely years. 

But still my heart doth call ! 
And yet, I know my child is safe 

Within her Shepherd's fold. 
That her short stay hath saved her ills 

My love could not withhold. 

I know that in my Father's Home 

Are many mansions fair. 
That in His pastures green she'll roam 

And cull the flowers rare. 
Yet oft in dreams I see her face, 

My precious little gem. 
All bright and shining, from her place 

In God's pure diadem. 



POEMS. 213 

And though to distant lands I go 

And leave her grave behind, 
Her spirit is not there, I know, 

If I sought I could not find ; 
For He who from the cross has risen 

To seek His Father's side. 
Bade all souls follow, unto Him, 

Their faithful, loving guide. 

And though I know my little one 

Can never come to me, 
Yet 1 shall one day go to her ; 

Oh, let me patient be ; 
Then learn, my heart, to trust in Him. 

Ye must not, shall not grieve her. 
The time shall come when I shall see 

My own dear child, Genevra. 



SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF EMMA 
GORMAN. 

Oh eyes that were weary with long awaking ! 

Oh heart that beat quickly w4th pain I 
For thee a glorious light is breaking, 

The longing and waiting were not in vain. 



214 POEMS. 

God hears thy prayer, thou soon shalt be 
sleeping, 

And resting after the heat of the day ; 
In heaven above receive a glad greeting : 

Thy Saviour is calling, oh hasten away. 

'Tis over, and her glad spirit is winging 
Its way to the beautiful mansions of light. 

Where sorrow and death no dark shadows 
are bringing. 
And whose walls with His glory are bright. 

Over their loved one our friends are weeping. 

Do they not dream that heaven is near ? 
That where the angels their vigils are keep- 
ing, 

The Father has taken their Emma dear. 

Then mourn not for her whose life-work is 
ended, 
Whose spirit triumphant has entered that 
Home 
Where Heaven and earth together are 
blended, 
Where all of God's children shall finally 
come, 



POEMS. ^^^ 



IN MEMORIAM. 

Passed away beyond the shadows, 
Into heaven's glorious light. 

He hath heard the loving promise: 
There shall never more be night, 

But a day all bright and shining 
With the glory of the Son, 

Where no mortal, hence returning, 
Tells us of the victory won. 

So we leave him, safe reclining 
On a loving Saviour's breast. 

Friends, ye have no need for weeping 
He has found Eternal Rest. 



TO THE MEMORY OF EDDIE JOHN- 
SON. 

My heart is sad and lonely : 
Our baby boy has gone 

To live among the angels, 
And we are left alone. 



216 POEMS. 

Empty stands his cradle ; 

No more his little head 
Shall press the downy pillow, 

Where he so often laid. 

No more our little prattler 
Shall make our hearts rejoice, 

Our ears shall listen vainly 
For the music of his voice. 

God took him home to heaven, 

Our tiny little gem, 
One more shining jewel 

To grace His diadem. 

He took our little Eddie 
To dwell with Him above ; 

A precious golden link, to bind 
Our hearts to Him in love. 

The angelic hosts are singing : 
Ye have not long to wait, 

Ere the guardian angels open 
For you the pearly gate. 

Then let us wait with patience 
Until that time shall come ; 

And learn to say triumphantly, 
O God, Thy will be done. 



POEMS. 217 



LEANDER. 

Rest thou in peace : 
Thy life on earth is ended, 

Thy bark is moored on heaven's shore ; 
Thy voice with angels' voices blended, 
Makes music sweet 
Forever more. 

Rest thou in peace : 
Thine now are happy hours, 

Gone from thee, dread disease ; 
And thou hast found the little flowers 
Called by us mortals 
Sweet heart's-ease. 

Rest thou in peace : 
Thy sister met thee at the gate. 

And gave thee a glad welcome Home ; 
She went before, but had not long to wait 
Ere the dear Saviour 
Bade thee come. 

Rest thou in peace : 
The dear ones left in sadness. 

Whose hearts with grief are burdened sore, 
They shall be filled with joy and gladness. 
Shall meet thee soon 
To part no more. 



218 POEMS. 

Rest thou in peace : 
The Saviour's arms are round thee ; 

The ills of earth shall trouble thee no more ; 
And though thy face we cannot see, 
Thy loving presence here shall be 
For evermore. 



SORROW. 

IN LOVING REMEMBEANCE, TO MY FRIENDS, 
MR. AND MRS. SAMUEL ELWELL, ON THE 
DEATH OF THEIR DAUGHTER, MRS. MARIA 
WHEELER. 

Slowly the earth scenes faded 

Away from the eyes of blue ; 
Dimmer, and dimmer the vision 

Of a fair young mother grew ; 
Sadly we watched our darling. 

For we knew she was going home ; 
Knew that the Saviour was calling. 

And that soon our dear one would be gone. 

CONSOLATION. 

Never fear, for her Saviour shall lead her. 

Though blind, your loved one shall see. 
For hath He not said to His children. 

Gome, lay all your burdens on Me ; 



POEMS. 219 

I'll be feet for the lame and the weary, 

And eyes for all who are blind. 
The promise, how sweet and how cheery. 

Oh ! is He not gentle and kind. 

FAITH. 

Then trust in His word : He will send you 

A comfort most sweet to your heart : 
O seek for His presence, and never 

From you will the Saviour depart. 
Through the dark valley He'll lead you. 

Until you shall reach that fair Home, 
With the dear ones, gone before you. 

To rest in peace, never more to roam. 



SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF MY 
FRIEND, BETSY A. PARSONS. 

Many a day I've sat in sorrow 

Thinking of my heavy care. 
Fearing that the cross He gave me. 

Would be very hard to bear ; 
But His loving hand upheld me 

Through many a long and weary day ; 
Jesus ! it shall be my watchword, 

At His feet I'll kneel and pray. 



220 POEMS. 

Never caring for the future, 
Trusting in His perfect love, 

Giving thanks unto my Father, 
Him who dwells in heaven above. 

Resting on His loving promise 

As I journey on my way; 

And His name shall be my watchword. 
At His feet I'll kneel and pray. 

Thus through all the weary waiting. 

Sorrow, grief, and cares to come, 
I'll be listening for His footstep, 

As He comes to lead me home ; 
Thus triumphantly I'll follow. 

Never doubting, in His way ; 
Keeping still my precious watchword, 

At His feet still kneel and pray. 

In the quiet of my chamber. 

As I calmly wend my way 
To the mansions of my Father, 

Through Eternity to stay. 
Gentle voices round me calling. 

Come, my sister, come away ! 
Clinging to my sacred watchword, 

At His feet I'll kneel and pray. 



P0E3IS. 



221 



DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF 
OUR LATE SISTER IN FAITH, 
HOPE, AND CHARITY, MRS. HAR- 
RIET G. MADDIX. 

The summons came at early morn. 
Another soul in heaven was born. 

Another home bereft ; 
Loving hands lift up the helpless head. 
Loving hearts mourn for their sacred dead, 

Whose hands so quick and deft 
Had ever ministered to their needs ; 
Whose life was full of kindly deeds 

And tender sympathy. 
O God, we give unto Thy care 
The orphan children weeping there, 

Oh draw them near to Thee. 
And he, whose home is empty now, 
We pray Thee, Father, teach him how 

To lift his heart above. 
Where hope shines bright in Heaven's light, 
Where all is day, where is no night. 

Where all is light and love. 
And we who, from our Templars' band. 
Shall miss our sister's helping hand 
And cheerful voice, 



222 POEMS. 

We surely know that she is there, 
Where comes no sorrow, grief, or care; 

Then mourn not, but rejoice 
To know that she is free from pain, 
That earthly loss is heavenly gain 

In one more soul immortal ; 
For one who was with us at night, 
In early Sabbath morning light 

Had entered heaven's portal. 



IN MEMORY OF SISTER MARY E. 
CROCKETT. 

Once again the angel Gabriel raised his 

sword above his head, 
Slowly it descended, and a sister dear was 

numbered with the dead; 
One whose presence ever cheered us, one 

whose face we loved to see. 
One who with us in the lodge-room ever 

loved to be. 

One who ever walked in meekness, turning 

always to the right. 
Looking to Jesus for that comfort which 

makes the heart grow light; 



POEMS. 223 

Asking guidance of her Father to keep her 

from the wrong, 
One whose voice was raised to praise Him in 

her daily song. 

She has passed beyond the portal of that 

bright and glorious land, 
Where our sister stands in waiting to take 

her by the hand ; 
In the presence of her Saviour, evermore to 

dwell in love, 
She is watching o'er her loved ones from her 

home above. 

Answered now the simple question, Who 

shall be the first to greet; 
Who shall be the first to leave us, in that 

temple fair to meet 
With the loved and faithful sisters, who have 

only gone before. 
Who have tasted heaven's pleasures, who 

would come back nevermore. 

Sacred be thy memory, sisters, tender be the 

thought we give 
To the dear ones left behind thee : Inay they 

ever, ever strive 



224 POEMS. 

So to shed their light about them, that the 

path may grow more bright 
Unto many who have wandered from the 

pathway of the right. 

Thus the way shall be made easy, and the 

hope of meeting thee 
Shall bring peace and comfort to them, and 

they once more happy be ; 
This the work the Father gives us, when our 

hearts are filled with grief : 
Bearing burdens for each other, brings unto 

us sweet relief. 

When above in heavenly mansions we shall 

meet with thee at last ; 
When the Templars' work is finished, and our 

earthly life is past ; 
When we shall in time be gathered in that 

calm and sure retreat. 
Sister shall with sister, greeting, ever hold 

communion sweet. 

Rest thee, sister, from thy labor ; thou wert 

ever faithful here, 
And the sweet forget-me-nots shall keep thy 

memory dear ; 



POEMS. 225 

Back to us, we would not call thee, for the 

glories of the throne 
Shine for thee in lustrous brightness ; thou 

hast found thy Father's Home. 

With the Grand Good Templar dwelling, in 

the bonds of holy love, 
Glorious anthems ever singing with the 

angelic hosts above ; 
While we, here, in patience waiting for the 

coming of the Son, 
In our hearts the lesson learning, — Father 

dear, Thy will be done. 



IN MEMORIAM. 

PRAYER. 

Tears dim mine eyes, I cannot see. 
The cross lies heavy on my heart, 

O Son of Calvary ! 
Help me to lay my burden down ; 
Help me, O Saviour dear, to wear 

The thorny crown. 

Help me to say, Thy will be done, 
Whate'er shall come to me ; 
Thou Holy One ! 



226 P0E3IS. 

Help me to bear the grief and pain, 
Make all things here below 
To be my gain. 

ANSWER. 

Weep thou no more. Thy absent son, 
Life's weary, fitful fever o'er, 

A crown has won. 
Meekly on earth the cross he bore. 
The angels called : he is not lost. 

But gone before. 

Come, lay your sorrows at my feet, 
I'll give unto your longing soul 

A rest complete ; 
My yoke it is easy, my burden is light, 
I'll turn into a glorious day 

The darkest night. 



IN MEMORIAM. 

MARTHA SMITH WATTS. 

Our aged pilgrim's work is done. 

She faltered by the way : 
God took her up, she dwells with Him 

In never-ending day. 



P0EM8. 227 

For her,, tlie Sun of righteousness 

Rose clad in glory bright ; 
As earth with all its varied scenes 

Passed from her fading sight. 

She labored in His vineyard long, 

Her faith her only wealth ; 
Many there are whom she sustained 

In sickness and in health. 

Fold the pale hands and close the eyes ; 

The spirit, flown away. 
Looks back in pity on the poor 

Frail tenement of clay. 

Sleep, aged friend, thy crown is won ; 

Earth hath no charm for thee ; 
Heaven's glories now on thee do shine, 

And time no more shall be. 

United there in bonds of love, 

With dear ones gone before ; 
The angels sing for joy above, 

We weep for thee no more. 



228 POEMS. 



DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF 

DEACON THEODORE LANE, 

Who was for many years a faithful member of 
Fraternity Lodge, No. 35, J. 0. of G. T. 

Rest in peace, thy work is done, 
Life's battle o'er, the victory won. 
Fold thine aged hands across thy breast, 
Beneath the waving grass in quiet rest. 
Thou art not there ! Thy spirit fled 
To dwell with God. Thou art not dead ! 
He giveth His beloved sleep, oh happy soul ! 
Who should weep, when thou hast won the 

goal? 
Hath He not said in accents sweet, " Oh, 

troubled heart, be still ; 
Bow down before My chastening rod, obey 

My will"? 
'Tis true that we shall miss thee 
From thine accustomed place, 
Shall look in vain, day after day. 
To see thy pleasant face ; 
Within our hearts we know our loss 
Is thy eternal gain. 
And though we look and long. 
And longing look in vain. 



P0E3IS. 229 

We know the time is coming 

Wken we shall meet at home, 

In mansions builded not with hands, 

With wood or costly stone ; — 

Not here, among earth's foreign lands, 

Not weary and alone, 

But where life's fountain ever flows. 

Where fadeless flowers bloom ; 

Where our dear Saviour, when He rose. 

Said unto us, " There's room 

For all who labor in My Name, 

Who strive My work to do, 

Who live in love and peace with all, 

Who are faithful, tried and true." 

And thy dear life-companion. 

Who has travelled at thy side 

For more than fifty years of sorrows, joys, 

and woe. 
May God's sweet spirit with her evermore 

abide 
And comfort her when tears of sorrow flow. 
May she look up to heaven, and see the rain-. 

bow bright. 
Which shineth forth amid the clouds with 

wondrous light, 
A promise of unchanging love, to all God's 

children here, 



230 POEMS. 

Which bids us give that perfect love which 

casteth out all fear ; 
And through the vreary hours, which she 

must pass alone, 
That love shall be her staff and stay, till God 

shall call her home. 



FLOSSIE. 

'TwAS only a baby blossom, 

So sweet, so fair, so dear : 
God called her home to Him in heaven. 

Sadly we miss her here. 

'Twas only lent to us, you know, 

Just for a little time, 
But oh, the tendrils of its love 

Close round our hearts did twine. 

Her sweet blue eyes and golden hair, 

Her loving little heart. 
Made her, to us, divinely fair. 

And made it hard to part. 

But in the garden of our Lord, 
Our flower blooms anew, 



POEMS. 231 

'Tis promised in His holy word ; 
We know that this is true : 

Suffer the little ones to come unto Me, 

And forbid them not, 

For of such is the Kingdom of Heaven. 



IN MEMORIAM. 

MELISSA. 

Calmly now our dear one's resting, 

Life's weary, fitful fever o'er. 
In our hearts we sadly miss her, 

Yet she's only gone before ; 
Gone before us, there to greet us. 

When we hear the Father's voice 
Bid us drop our heavy burdens, 

In His presence to rejoice. 

Calmly resting in His bosom, 

Chanting praises all the day, 
Watching o'er her little darlings, 

Guarding well their earthly way ; 
Softly praying that their footsteps 

May be gently led aright. 
That they early find that wisdom 

That makes our lives so bright. 



232 FOEMS. 

By her bedside we were weeping, 

When the solemn summons came ; 
Sweetly smiled she when her Saviour 

Called her by her name : 
" Come, my daughter, come up higher, 

Leave behind thee all thy care. 
In the mansions of the Father, 

Purest robes of white to wear." 

This the wish her lips expressing : 
. That a sister dear might go 
With her, to enjoy the blessings 

Which the Father doth bestow 
On the children whom He calleth 

Up above, to dwell with Him, 
In His presence ever living. 

Far away from care and sin. 

In His gracious love believing, 

Bid we now a last good-by. 
Till at last our names He's calling, 

Till we lay us down to die ; 
And our hearts, no more repining, 

Filled with holy love and light, 
See the Son, forever shining, 

Where there never shall be night. 



POEMS, 233 



THEN. 



A LITTLE maid so fresh and fair, 
With bonny curls of golden hair, 
With rosy cheeks and lips so sweet, — 
Our life, with her, seemed all complete. 

Death loves a shining mark, I know, 
Yet I did not think my child could go. 
But she passed on to heaven above. 
Our child is safe, and God is love. 



NOW. 



An angel bright looks down from heaven, 
To whom a crown of ^gold was given ; 
Her loving, watchful eye I cannot see : 
That angel bright belongs to me. 

I look and long with aching heart, 
Hoping to see the dark clouds part, 
God knoweth best. He called her home. 
That we might say, " Thy will be done." 



234 POEMS. 



IN MEMORY OF MRS. SARAH D. 
BECKFORD. 

He giveth His beloved sleep. 

And angels bright shall ever keep 

Her ransomed soul through countless 

Ages rolling on ; 

Her body lies beneath the sod ; 

Her soul ascended to its God 

In triumph, to chant His praises 

With the Immortal throng. 

Her pale hands folded on her breast 

Bespeak a sweet and dreamless rest 

From earthly cares ; of labor ended, 

Of heavenly mansion won ; 

The tliin soft threads of silver hair, 

The beauteous crown that age doth wear. 

Low, drooping 'gainst the calm, pale brow 

And withered cheek. 

Give to our dear friend's face a look. 

Saintly and meek. 

Her earthly work is done, the cross laid 

down. 
The bright crown won. 
For her, dear friends, we will not weep. 
He giveth His beloved sleep. 



POEMS. 



235 



DEDICATED TO OUR LOST FISHER- 
MEN. 

O God ! in bitter anguish 

We cry to Thee aloud. 
Our loved ones have gone from us, 

The ocean is their shroud. 

The cold waves dashing o'er them, 

Above each quiet breast. 
Shall sing for them a requiem,— 

They lulled them to their rest. 

And nevermore their faces. 

So full of loving care. 
Are seen in their home places. 

Where are they, tell us where ? 

A tender voice is breaking 
The stillness of the earth : 

In heaven they are awaking, — 
It is the second birth. 

God called them through the tempest, 
" Come home to Me, dear ones." 

They are living now among the blest, - 
God's holy will be done. 



236 POEMS. 

Oh friends, whose hearts are waiting 
For those w^ho will not come, 

For them the light is breaking. 
Say thou, " Thy will be done." 

For unto you, His children, 

You who in anguish cry. 
He consolation giveth, 

He bids you all draw nigh 

Unto the Wells of Righteousness, 

Unto the Fount of Peace. 
Your saddened life with love He'll bless ; 

Your aching hearts He'll ease. 

Look upward, weary mourner, 
Look upward, cease your cry. 

Your loved ones are in heaven, 
They dwell with God on high. 



IN MEMORIAM. 

One by one our children vanished, 
One by one they passed away. 

One by one in sickness languished, — 
Could we wish them here to stay ? 



POEMS. 237 

One by one the Saviour took them 

In His gentle loving arms, 
Took them home to Him, in heaven 

They are safe from earth's alarms. 

Sweet and tender little baby ! 

Mother's little comforter ! 
When you closed your laughing eyes. 

Aching heart was left for her. 

Then our precious little Susie 
Listened to the Saviour's call ; 

Followed after darling baby : 
Grief and sadness now for all. 

Then he called our noble Georgie, 
Father's pride and mother's joy. 

Come, my son, your Father needs you,- 
And He took our precious boy. 

Oh my God ! our hearts are bleeding, 
Send to us Thy precious balm ; 

Thou alone canst heal and soothe them. 
Hold us with Thy strong right arm. 

May we learn to bow in meekness, 
Learn to know and do Thy will. 

Strive to hear the voice that cheers us 
Bid our yearning hearts be still. 



238 POEMS. 

For our darling children, dwelling 
In the circle of Thy love, 

Are with happy voices blending 
In the songs of praise above. 

Left to us four loving children. 
And we clasp them in our arms, 

Praying, Father, in Thy mercy, 
Keep our little ones from harm ! 



IN MEMORY OF MY SISTER, MARY 
S. HINCKLEY. 
O Father, hear our prayer ! 
Send consolation to the heart 
Of him whose darling lieth there 
So motionless and still. 
Our eyes with tears of sorrow fill 
As we gaze on her placid face: 
Oh ! who can take that dear wife's place 
Within her lonely home. 
The aged mother waiting there. 
So sad and lone. 
Will miss her daughter's care ; 
And he, whose light in life has fled. 
Whose heart is filled with grief. 
Must look to God ; he shall be led 
Where he can find relief ; 



POEMS. 239 

To the Throne of Grace his prayer shall rise 

In this his hour of need, 

And He who hears His children's cries 

Will prove a Friend indeed. 

Will send a comforter to earth, 

With healing in her wing, 

To tell him of an angel's birth, 

To peace and comfort bring. 

For time doth soften every ill, 

And memory, fond and true. 

Doth weave a garland, fair and sweet, 
Whose flowers bloom anew, 
Whene'er we linger with our dead, 
As we are wont to do. 
Then, Father, hear our prayer ! 
May we who weep and sigh in vain 
To see our loved and lost again, 
Remember she is There. 
Beside the waters still and deep, 
Thy loving arms doth safely keep 
And guard her from all harm ; 
And though she may not come to us 
To cheer our hearts again. 
We shall at last go home to her. 
Blessed be Thy holy name ! 



240 POEMS. 



IN MEMORY OF MARY, WIFE OF 
ALBERT OBER. 

Sadly we miss the gentle grace 

Of her tender smile, and her pure pale face ; 

Sadly we miss the gentle sound 

Of her little feet, as she walked around ; 

Those feet have entered the pearly gate, 

And we are left here alone to wait. 

Sadly we miss the tender love-light 

That shone in her eyes, once flashing and 

bright. 
Sadly we miss the tender care 
That filled our home, when she was there ; 
But now she dwells in a beautiful home, 
Where she is waiting for us to come. 

For us the sorrow, for her the joy. 
Earth's troubles and cares no more annoy ; 
By the side of her heavenly Father she 

stands 
And views the glories of the beautiful land ; 
For us our dear ones patiently wait. 
Till we, too, shall enter the pearly gate. 



POEMS. 241 

TO THE AMERICAN SONGSTRESS, 
EMMA ABBOTT WETHERELL 
(EMMA ABBOTT). 
Hushed was the voice of the nightingale, 
When they told her the loved one was gone ; 
That nevermore would he listen, enraptured 
With the music of her glorious song. 
That nevermore would his tender tones utter 
Fond words of endearment and love ! 
That the voice of the Father had called him 
To dwell in His bright home above. 

Ah ! what though the sad heart is breaking, 

And the world looks empty and drear. 

The people are anxiously waiting 

The voice of their song-bird to hear ; 

So, with heart filled with bitterest anguish. 

She leaves her one treasure asleep. 

And goes forth on her long, lonely journey 

With scarcely the power to weep. 

O Father in heaven ! be with her. 
And keep her with tenderest care, 
Until she shall meet with her loved one 
In Thy heavenly mansion so fair. 
In this night of her anguish and sorrow, 
To Thy dear loving arms may she flee 
May the voice of the songstress rise upward 
In praises divine unto Thee. 



242 POEMS. 



THE MOTHER'S VISION. 

Weep not ! I stood amazed ; 

Bewildered, round my room I gazed ; 

Weep not ! a soft voice spake to me, 

Yet none was there, that I could see ; 

Oh, weep thou not ! again it said, 

And seemed to come from overhead ! 

Upward I turned my weeping eyes 

And lo ! a thin, soft veil enveloped all the 

skies. 
Again the voice came down to me 
From one whose form I could not see : 
Why weepest thou? Thy daughter died to 

rise ; 
She only slept, to wake again in Paradise ! 
Tears such as thine cause grief and pain 
Unto the angel child, who to us came 
To lead thy wayward spirit home. 
Behind the veil thy daughter stands 
With eyes bent earthward, and, with hands 
Soft folded in a blessing on thy head, 
Is pleading to thy saddened heart. 
Dear mother, choose, I pray, the better part, 
And weep no more, dear one, for me ; 
No more earth's joys can ever be 
A pleasure to my ransomed soul. 



POEMS. 243 

Then dry thy tears, and patient wait, 

Till opes for thee the pearly gate. 

The mother woke, a peaceful calm 

Fell on her sorrowing heart like balm ; 

Fell like a blessing all around. 

The troubled soul with peace was crowned. 



BABY SLEEPS. 

Dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Pelton. 

A SILENCE round the household creeps. 
A little baby form we miss, 
A tender, loving, clinging kiss. 

Our baby sleeps. 

The mother turns aside and weeps. 
The little cradle empty stands. 
No more to rock by loving hands, 

For baby sleeps. 

Dear parents ! smile and do not weep. 
In the celestial home above. 
Safe sheltered in the arms of love 

Your baby sleeps. 

It is not death, 'tis only sleep. 

A welcome for each one doth wait 
Within the shining pearly gate. 

When we shall sleep. 



244 POEMS. 

Let peace into the household creep, 
For angels tend their baby guest 
Till you shall lay you down to rest 

And fall asleep. 



DEDICATED TO MR. AND MRS. 
WILLIAM W. DAY, 

On the death of their little ones, Ahhie Josephine 
and Izzetta Warner, who died within ten 
minutes of each other and were buried in 
one coffin. 

They went forth together, they are not alone, 
A sister's hand guided the little one home ; 
Together they roam through the mansions 

above, 
Together sing praises to the Saviour of love. 

Dear Abbie, sweet Etta, your sufferings are 

o'er ; 
You have knocked and have entered at 

heaven's door. 
The Saviour is shielding you both with His 

arm. 
Henceforth and forever you are safe from 

all harm. 

Feb. Uth, 1864. 



POEMS. 245 



AUGUSTA. 

'• We walk by faith and not by sight." 

Beloved, let us walk together 

Far from the haunts of men. 
I listened for the answer, — 

I heard a low amen. 
I saw the life-light fading 

From my darling's starry eyes. 
And from my sadly burdened heart 

There came such bitter sighs ! 
And I stood lost and helpless. 

As she slowly passed away 
Beyond the reach of earthly care. 

As she faded day by day. 
As with a sweet submission, 

Born of a purer love, 
She waited for the summons 

In Paradise to rove. 
Into her heart there came no fear 

Her pleasure to alloy. 
She watched the angel drawing near, 

In rapture, and with joy. 
For her. Death had no terror ; 

Her head would soon recline 
Upon her Saviour's bosom ; 

And soon His face divine 



246 POEMS. 

Would bend above her pillow, 

And cheer the lonely way 
That leads from earth to heaven, 

To realms of endless day. 
For her, the joy and gladness. 

For her, the peace and rest ; 
For us, the grief and sadness ; 

But our Father knoweth best! 
He saw the patient suffering 

With which she bore the pain ; 
He knew that our earthly loss 

Was her eternal gain. 
And so He sent His angel 

To bear her home to Him ; 
And gave to her the glorious crown 

That all must die to win. 

We miss her, ah ! we miss her. 

But oh ! we cannot mourn. 
Although we know that nevermore 

To us will she return. 
We know that we shall go to her ; 

Our Father wills it so ! 
When ended is life's journey, 

The mystery we shall know ; 
Shall know why mortals are permitted 

To suffer grief and pain ; 



POEMS. 247 

Stand face to face with Jesus, 
The Lamb for sinners slain ; 

Shall chant the Father's praises 
With never-failing breath ; 

Shall win a glorious victory 
Over the angel, Death I 



248 POEMS. 

ACROSTICS. 



Methinks a name you'll quickly see, 

And with me here you will agree : 

Riches is a goodly thing 

If it doth not take its wing 

And fly away. 

Just and honest strive to be, 

Do not from your neighbor flee. 

Or e'er neglect your duty. 

Do not scorn to help the poor, 

Give, and you shall have the more ; 

Ever gain in beauty. 

Give, and you shall win a blessing. 

Love and prayers in words caressing. 

Over every kindly deed. 

Un forgotten you shall be. 

Children's hearts shall ever bless thee, 

Ever to thy words give heed. 

So shall you learn to find the way 

To the realms of endless day. 

Ever sowing seeds of kindness. 

Reaping whate'er ye need. 

Manifold thy wealth increasing. 

And thy happiness unceasing; 

Song of angels swell the strain. 

Such shall be your heavenly gain. 



POEMS. 249 

Look upward, when the shadows fall 
On thee, to Him who died for all ; 
In Him to trust forevermore. 
So find the way to heaven's shore. 

Pardon for all your faults He'll give. 
And comforts all who for Him live ; 
Regards alike both rich and poor. 
So that we ask, He gives the more ; 
Oh may your life be full of cheer, 
Nor grief nor sorrow enter there ; 
Sincerely live, you need not fear. 



Martha has gone ! God called her name 
A few short weeks ago ; 
Redeemed from suffering and pain 
The soul rejoiced to go. 
Hallelujah ! Christ is gain. 
And heaven begins below. 

Well done, thou child of earth. He cried, 
A loving greeting find. 
Trusting in Me, though sorely tried. 
Thy name, in the Book of Life, is signed. 
Serenely rest, not one hast thou left behind. 



250 POEMS. 

Listen ! 'tis a voice from heaven ! 
I am with you, mother dear ; 
Let your heart be free from sorrow, 
Lillie's spirit lingers near ; 
In the reahns of endless glory 
Angels sing the old sweet story : 
Naught can harm me, do not fear. 

Give to me the blest assurance, 
Even this I ask of you, 
Reverence my Lord and Master, 
Trust in Him, e'en as I do ! 
Rich is He in loving blessings, 
Unto all. He'll freely give. 
Daily from His hand He scatters 
Every good to help us live. 

Sorrow not, for I am happy. 
Holy is my God and King, 
All the world is His forever. 
Welcome home, the angels sing. 



P0EM8. 251 

Ever remember that right is might ; 
Do all you can to help on the right ; 
Don't let temptation lead you astray, 
It is in your power to choose the right way, 
Ever to walk in the light. 

Conquer every evil foe. 

Live uprightly as you go. 

It will ever comfort you. 

For the Father's words are true : 

Trust in Me My work to do ; 

Or, if trouble comes to thee, 

Never fear, but lean on Me. 

My hand your footsteps e'er shall guide. 

Come, and in My love confide. 

Life is not an empty dream. 

Easy, careless, though it seem. 

All my work I leave to thee. 

Never fail, but follow Me. 



252 POEMS. 

Glad hopes in the heart upspringing, 
Ever joy and pleasure bringing ; 
Oft I've seen the merry boys 
Romping with their childish toys, 
Gayly through the summer hours, 
Even in the leafy bowers. 

Have you ever seen such rogues, 
And heard them mock old Ireland's bro- 
gues? 
Really it is splendid fun, 
Romping when the work is done. 
I have seen them many a time. 
So have you, oh sister mine. 

Merry, happy, full of glee. 
Careless, jolly as can be ; 
Like two crazy little loons, 
Eddie, Georgie, roguish coons. 
Ah, my boys, to banish woe. 
Never in the wrong way go. 



POEMS. 253 

There is a city fair to see, 

High built on rock and grassy lea, 

Encircled by the ocean. 

Contented there my lot is cast, 
In spite of storm and wintry blast. 
There all my loved ones dwell in peace, 
Youth, innocence, and feebleness. 

Oft have I wandered 'mong its hills. 
Forgetting not its brooks and rills. 

Gliding smoothly on the ocean, 
Look, its namesake you may see. 
O'er the waves with easy motion. 
Undaunted by a stormy sea ; 
Come, all who love a breezy sail. 
Ere the summer days are flown. 
Sit you by the steamer's rail. 
There's a pleasure all unknown, 
Except to those who love to be 
Rocking on the restless sea. 



254 



FOEMS. 



Millions have knelt at Jesus' feet 
And found in Him a rest complete ; 
Redeemed from bitterness and sin, 
Thus shall we all a victory win. 
Heaven's glories shine upon each heart, 
And bid us choose the better part. 

Grace is a sweet, melodious sound. 
Repeat the strain, it will rebound 
And fill our hearts with joy ; 
Come, take His hand and follow on. 
E'en till we change the Cross for Crown. 

Rest, perfect rest. He gives to all. 
Endure, and listen for His call ; 
Yours is a life in Him complete. 
Naught can destroy your sure retreat. 
Oh, may you ever find on earth 
Love, peace, and comfort without dearth 
Delights to crown your future years. 
Secure in Christ, ye have no fears. 



POEMS. 255 

Rose, when you read this foolish letter, 
Only remember this, you know me better ; 
Such things I write, but only for fun, 
Evil there is not, but just a poor pun. 

Brooks flow adown the sidewalks now. 
Refreshing thought, you will allow. 
Oh dear, to church I have not been. 
Only up town, I can hardly tell when. 
Kept in by the snow, the ice, and the rain, 
Such is my fate, again and again. 

Parsons there are in plenty here, 

And not one of them does your servant fear ; 

Right makes might in spite of them all, 

So, if I can't get to church, some of them 

might call. 
Or if they come not, is it not quite right 
Not to go out on a stormy night ? 
So Rose, my dear friend, I hope you'll soon 

write. 

Your friend, 

M. J. D. 



256 POEMS. 

Daily was heard his voice in prayer 
Arising from this world of care ; 
Vain and delusive snares were spread 
In the narrow path that heavenward led ; 
David conquered, — his soul from earth has 
fled. 

Welcomed by Christ, his work is done. 
And the march of progression has begun. 
There, singing psalms and praises sweet. 
The redeemed life is now complete, — 
Saved, purified in that blessed retreat. 



THE END. 



CUPPLES & HURD, THE ALGONQUIN PRESS, BOSTON. 



LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 



GLOUCESTER, MASS. 



Mr. Charles Anderson. 
Mrs. Eunice S. Andrews. 

" Lizzie Anderson. 
Mr. Clarence E. Brown. 

" Edward O. Brown. 
Miss Lucy P. Burnham. 

'* Mary B. Burgess. 
Mr. Charles W. Brown. 
Mrs. Abbie A. Burgess. 
Miss Mary E. Bride. 
Mr. Samuel W. Brown. 
Mrs. Mary E. Butler. 

" Frank Burnham. 

" Josie D. Burnham. 
Mr. John W. Black. 

" Edward K. Burnham. 
Mrs. Susan E. Bradstreet. 
Mr. Leonard A. Burn- 
ham. 
Miss Annie Burnham. 
Mrs. Mary Boylson. 

" Ella M. Brown. 

'* Aria E. Cressey. 
Mr. Benjamin H. Corliss. 
Mrs. Eliza J. Cross. 

" Lucy B. Carleton. 



Miss Katie Crawley. 

'• Hannah Center. 
Mrs. Mary E. Cunning- 
ham. 
Miss Genevieve Cook. 
Mrs. Addison Center. 

" Ellen Colson. 

" Mattie A. Crowe. 
Mr. Stephen L. Dodge. 

'< Leonard A. Dodge. 
Mrs. Ella Darcey. 

" Fanny E. David. 
Mr. William H. Dunbar. 
Mrs. Frank E. Davis. 
Miss Eliza S. Dodge. 
Judge James Davis. 
Mrs. Annie M. Davis. 
Mr. William P. DoUiver. 
Mrs. Joel R. Estabrook. 
Hon. W. W. French. 
Mrs. Martha J. Frazier. 

" Lucy D. Friend. 
Mr. William G. Freeman. 
Mrs. Mary A. Foster. 

" Lucy E. Friend. 
Hon. Robert R. Fears. 



258 



LIST OF 8UB8CBIBEBS. 



Mrs. Walter M. Fait. 

" Amanda Flagg. 

" Sarah J. Gill. 

<' Eliza M. Grant. 
Joseph Garland, M.D. 
Albert S. Garland, M.D. 
Rev. John B. Green. 
Miss Grace A. Gorman. 
Mrs. Samuel L. Gibson. 
J. Everett Garland, M.D. 
Mrs. Mary E. Gill. 

" Hannah M. Hudson. 
Mr. Elias L. Hinckley. 

" George W. Hall. 
Mrs. Mary E. Hinckley. 
Mr. Fitz W. B. Hinckley. 
Mrs. Phebe C. Hodge. 

" Howard Haskell. 

" Mary B. Haskell. 
Mr. Herman M. Hall. 

" Loring B. Haskell. 

*' Calvin F. Hopkins. 
Mrs. Lizzie H. Haskell. 

" Louise L. Howe. 

'* Vesta L. Herrick. 

" Mary Hull. 

" Ida Harvey. 
Mr. Benj. Herrick. 
Mrs. Eliza A. Ireland. 
Mr. William F. Ireland. 
Mrs. Sarah M. Johnson. 
Mr. John T. Knight. 
Mrs. Annie Knowles. 
Miss Isabel N. Kennedy. 
Mr. Howard F. Lufkin. 



Mrs. Mary P. Lloyd. 

" Louise R. Lufkin. 
Miss Clara M. Loring. 
Mr, Henry Livingstone. 
Mrs. Mary E. Lesuer. 

" Martha Langsford. 

" Fannie Lufkin. 

*' Sarah E. Merchant. 

" Julia M. Marr. 

" Sarah Moody. 

" Isaac N. Morse. 
Miss Susan Mansfield. 
Mrs. Ellen Murray. 

" Lizzie Marr. 

" Augustas Moore- 
house. 
Mrs. Mary L. Marston. 
Mr. William T. Merchant. 
Mrs. Charles A. McLean. 

" Eliza Mclntire. 

" Mary E. McLean. 
Mr. Frank McCartin. 
Mrs. Mary E. McEachen. 
Miss Cicely McCloud. 

'* Jennie H. Nelson. 
Mr. Mathew R. Nickerson. 

" Thomas Olson. 
Miss Ella M. O'Brien. 
Mrs. Jane M. Obear. 

" Melvin H. Perkins. 
Mr. Thomas D. Pelton. 
Mrs. Sarah M. Pulcifer. 
Miss Nellie F. Parsons. 
Mrs. Charles H. Pew. 

" Sybell Perkins. 



LIST OF 8UB8CBIBEB8. 



259 



Miss Alice D. Parsons. 
Mrs. Hugh Parkhurst. 

** Mary J. Parkhurst. 

" Hattie L. Presson. 
Mr. Francis Procter. 
Mrs. Samuel G. Poole. 
Mr. George H. Procter. 

" Gorham Parsons. 
Mrs. Mary E. Poole. 

'* Lillie M. Riggs. 
Miss Rosanna M. Rich- 
ardson. 
Mrs. Annie S. Robinson. 

" Lucy D. Rogers. 
Miss Clarabelle Rogers. 
Mr. Samuel E. Russ. 
Mrs. Mary J. Reblin. 

" M. Abby Rust. 

** Annie M. Robinson. 
Mr. Fitz E. Riggs. 
Rev. William H. Ryder. 
Mrs. John S. Rogers. 
Miss Justine A. Riggs. 
Mr. James Richardson, Jr. 

'* John W. Rowe. 
Mrs. Augusta F. Rich. 

" Betsey A. Reed. 
Hon. David I. Robinson. 
Rev. Charles W. Regan. 
Mrs. Elizabeth Ring. 
Mr. Edv^^ard Robinson. 
Mrs. Esther A. Reed. 
Mr. George A. Smith. 
Mrs. Hannah C. Sawyer. 

** Annie B. Saunders. 



Mrs. Effie A. Smith. 
Mr. W. H. Safford, U. S. 

Fish Com. 
Mrs. Azubah Simms. 

" Eliza C. Smith. 

" Alfred Somes. 
Mr. Charles Saville. 2 

copies. 
Mr. Kilby W. Shute. 
Mrs. Mary E. Stone. 
Mr. George A. Sanborn. 
Mrs. Esther Somes. 

" Kate M. Stevens. 

" Carrie A. Saville. 
Mr. Alfred F. Stickney. 
Mrs. Joseph Smith. 

'* AbbieM. Shute. 

" Isaac A. Steele. 

" George Sorrenson. 

*• Mary E. Swift. 
Miss Bessie E. Saunders. 

" Katie Shea. 
Sawyer Free Librarj'. 
Mrs. William Somes. 

'* Izzetta Smith. 

" Rachel Sargent. 
Mr. George H. Spates. 

" Elmer E. Tarr. 
Mrs. Emily W. Tarr. 

" Maggie Tuck. 

" Oliver G. Thomas. 

" Henry B. Thomas. 

" Simeon B. Trask. 

" Jane H. Thomas. 

" Emily Todd. 



260 LIST OF SUBSCrdBEBS. 

Mrs. Everett Tuck. Mr. Henry Wilson. 

Mr. J. Clarence Tarr. " Monson L. Wetherill. 

♦' Alfred Thurston. " Willard O. Wylie, Salem. 

Mrs. Emma F. Thompson. Mrs. Mary E. Wonson. 

•' John W. Upham. Miss Sarah E. Warner. 

Rev. Thomas J. Villers. Mrs. Gilman N. Williams. 

Mrs. Sarah E. Watson. Mr. John D. Woodbury. 

" Althea Winchester. Mrs. Mary A. Wonson. 
Mr. Frank A. Westerburg. '• Isabel Wonson. 

Mrs. Lucy Wheeler. Mr. Percy W. Wheeler. 



Mrs. Ellen H. Ames, Chicopee, Mass. 

Mrs. Ella Balch, Boston, Mass. 

Dr. William H. Baker, Boston, Mass. 

Mr. William Carlow, Boston, Mass. 

Mr. J. G. Cupples, Longwood, Mass. 

Mr. George Dennison, Boston, Mass. 

Mr. John J. Davis, Annisquam, Mass. 

Mrs. Charles E. Erskine, Racine, Wis. 

Mr. Oscar L. Emery, Lanesville, Mass. 

Mr. Nathaniel N. Frost, Boston, Mass. 

Miss Jessie Forsyth, Boston, Mass. 

Mr. Louis E. Gaillar, Chelsea, Mass. 

Mr. Marion Grimes, Brooklyn, N.Y. 

Mrs. Willard K. Hobbs, Salem, Mass. 

Mr. Frederick P. Hincklej', Newburyport, Mass. 

Mrs. Georgianna Harford, Georgetown, Me. 

Mrs. Joseph Hale, Stockton, Cal. 

Mr. Lewis Horton, Boston, Mass. 

Capt. A. H. Josselyn, East Boston, Mass. 

Mr. Frank I. Jefferson, Grand Councillor, Boston, Mass. 

Mrs. Sarah A. Leonard, Grand Sec'y, Boston, Mass. 



LI8T OF SUBSCBIBEBS. 261 

Mr. William Leonard, Salem, Mass. 

Mr. Charles A. Langmaid, Lanesville, Mass. 

Mr. Lemuel Lane, Saccarappa, Me. 

Mr. Edward S. Merchant, agent B. & G. Steamboat Line, 

Boston, Mass. 
Mr. Anthony Nelson, Essex, Mass. 
Capt. Albert Ober, Beverly, Mass. 
Mr. Thomas P. Oliver, Georgetown, Me. 
Mr. Warren P. Oliver, Chelsea, Mass. 
Miss Ellen R. Richardson, Boston, Mass. 
Mr. Charles A. Read, Manchester, Mass. 
Mr. Thomas H. Rowley, Lanesville, Mass. 
Mrs. Marrietta Rider, Lanesville, Mass. 
Mrs. Lucinda Roberts, Lanesville, Mass. 
Mrs. Calvin Rathburn, Noank, Conn. 
Mr. Joseph W. Smith, Andover, Mass. 
Mr. George H. Seavers, Lawrence, Mass. 
Rev. Jacob F. Spalding, Salisbury, Mass. 
Mr. M. Perry Sargent, Merrimac, Mass. 
Mrs. Laura E. Tarleton, Beverly, Mass. 
Mr. Edwin H. Weston, Roxbury, Mass. 
Mr. Edgar W. Whittemore, Boston, Mass. 
Mr. Sidney Watson, Harpswell, Me. 
Capt. E. S. Young, Beachmont, Mass. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

016 211 811 



